Abstract
Radiotherapy alters the lymphatic system in a dose-dependent manner. Lymphedema is the most common side effect of irradiation occurring in 10-44 % of all radiotherapy patients. It has to be distinguished between the transient and chronic form of lymphedema concerning clinic, therapy and outcome. Lymphedema caused by irradiation alone is a rare condition. Mostly, it is a consequence of the combination of surgery and radiotherapy. In contrast to the adverse effects of irradiation, the authors focus on radiotherapy of diseases of the lymphatic vascular system: the palliative therapy of lymphangiosarcoma and the supportive therapy of postoperative prolonged lymphorrhea.
| Translated title of the contribution | Lymphatic system and radiotherapy |
|---|---|
| Original language | German |
| Journal | Lymphologie in Forschung und Praxis |
| Volume | 3 |
| Issue number | 2 |
| Pages (from-to) | 86-89 |
| Number of pages | 4 |
| ISSN | 1433-5255 |
| Publication status | Published - 1999 |