BetaEntity Annotation Prototype
← Back to diseases

Annotated abstract

Palliative care of malignant lymphoedema

bmjspcare · 2026-04-28 · canonical JSON source

7 visible annotations · policy: published · automated confidence ≥ 75.00%

Document resource

Malignant lymphoedema (ML) is a condition characterised by the accumulation of lymphatic fluid due to the obstruction of lymph vessels by cancerous tumours or metastasis. This form of lymphoedema is distinguished by its accelerated onset and progression, manifesting as oedema, pain and cutaneous changes. Its prevalence is particularly notable in cases of breast, head and neck, gynaecological cancers and melanoma. It is estimated that 50% of recurrences of gynaecological cancers develop ML; no specific data on breast cancer are available. While the treatment of this condition is frequently challenging, if left untreated, it can result in severe swelling, pain and serious complications.