Lymphedema, particularly breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL), is a significant condition affecting cancer survivors. It is characterized by fluid accumulation and tissue changes resulting from impaired lymphatic flow. Despite advancements in treatment, BCRL remains prevalent, with axillary lymph node dissection being a major risk factor. Various risk factors, including age, race, BMI, and lymphadenectomy, have been identified. While progress has been made in diagnostics and prevention, a comprehensive approach that integrates early detection with innovative therapeutic strategies is still needed. Interest in lymphatic surgery and non-pharmacologic interventions is growing; however, standardized guidelines remain lacking, underscoring the need for further research. This Research Topic aims to enhance the understanding and management of BCRL by investigating risk factors, refining diagnostic approaches, and assessing the efficacy of emerging treatments.Recent advances in imaging, surgical reconstruction, and conservative therapies offer promising avenues for improving patient outcomes, yet their integration into clinical practice is still evolving. A multidisciplinary approach that combines novel surgical techniques, physical therapy, and patient-specific management plans may improve quality of life and long-term prognosis. By compiling cutting-edge research in this field, this collection seeks to bridge knowledge gaps, support evidence-based practice, and guide future treatment strategies.We invite contributions in the form of Original Research, Reviews, Clinical Trials, and Case Reports covering, but not limited to:-Molecular and physiological mechanisms underlying BCRL development-Advances in diagnostic imaging and biomarker discovery-Surgical and non-surgical treatment innovations-Risk factor analysis and preventive strategies-Patient-centered care approaches and long-term managementPlease note: manuscripts consisting solely of bioinformatics or computational analysis of public genomic or transcriptomic databases which are not accompanied by validation (independent cohort or biological validation in vitro or in vivo) are out of scope of this section and will not be accepted as part of this Research Topic.
Lymphedema, particularly breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL), is a significant condition affecting cancer survivors. It is characterized by fluid accumulation and tissue changes resulting from impaired lymphatic flow. Despite advancements in treatment, BCRL remains prevalent, with axillary lymph node dissection being a major risk factor. Various risk factors, including age, race, BMI, and lymphadenectomy, have been identified. While progress has been made in diagnostics and prevention, a comprehensive approach that integrates early detection with innovative therapeutic strategies is still needed. Interest in lymphatic surgery and non-pharmacologic interventions is growing; however, standardized guidelines remain lacking, underscoring the need for further research. This Research Topic aims to enhance the understanding and management of BCRL by investigating risk factors, refining diagnostic approaches, and assessing the efficacy of emerging treatments.Recent advances in imaging, surgical reconstruction, and conservative therapies offer promising avenues for improving patient outcomes, yet their integration into clinical practice is still evolving. A multidisciplinary approach that combines novel surgical techniques, physical therapy, and patient-specific management plans may improve quality of life and long-term prognosis. By compiling cutting-edge research in this field, this collection seeks to bridge knowledge gaps, support evidence-based practice, and guide future treatment strategies.We invite contributions in the form of Original Research, Reviews, Clinical Trials, and Case Reports covering, but not limited to:-Molecular and physiological mechanisms underlying BCRL development-Advances in diagnostic imaging and biomarker discovery-Surgical and non-surgical treatment innovations-Risk factor analysis and preventive strategies-Patient-centered care approaches and long-term managementPlease note: manuscripts consisting solely of bioinformatics or computational analysis of public genomic or transcriptomic databases which are not accompanied by validation (independent cohort or biological validation in vitro or in vivo) are out of scope of this section and will not be accepted as part of this Research Topic.