The damage and/or removal of lymph nodes is a common side-effect of cancer diagnosis and treatment. This can result in the insufficient clearance of lymphatic fluid, and manifestation of a chronic swelling condition known as lymphedema. So what can be done about this? “Direct” surgical reconstruction methods are being explored…
Lymphedema is a chronic condition that afflicts up to 30% of women treated for breast cancer. Damage to a patient’s lymphatic system via lymph node removal and/or irradiation during cancer treatment can cause inadequate lymphatic fluid clearance, and the chronic swelling characteristic of lymphedema. Given that breast reconstructive surgery post-mastectomy…
It is well appreciated that environmental and behavioral factors such as diet, stress, sleep, and fitness can significantly alter our susceptibility to infection. Typically, when we think of these factors either enhancing or suppressing immune system function, we think of them altering the behavior of our infection-fighting white blood cells:…
