Scientists from the Mayo Clinic showed that lymphedema in the lower extremities approximately doubles the risk of developing various types of skin cancer. The research was published in the journal Mayo Clinic Proceedings.
The authors of the new study analyzed data from 4,437 patients with confirmed lymphedema of the lower extremities. There was an increased risk of basal cell and squamous cell skin cancer compared with controls without the disease. Some patients had lymphedema in only one leg. What’s more, they were almost three times more likely to develop skin cancer on the affected limb than on the healthy one.
Lymphedema is permanent swelling of soft tissues due to impaired lymphatic drainage. It can be caused by surgery or cancer treatment that removes or damages lymph nodes. In rare cases, lymphedema can be caused by hereditary diseases. Previously, this condition was associated with an increased risk of dermatitis, trophic ulcers and other skin diseases. Lymphedema patients need regular examinations by a dermatologist to detect cancer at an early stage, the authors say.
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