Genital Lymphedema after Cancer Treatment: A Narrative Review

Abstract

Genital lymphedema may affect males and females after cancer treatment (gynecological, such as cervical, uterine or ovarian, melanoma, prostate, anus…). It is frequently associated with lower limb lymphedema, and is responsible for discomfort, cosmetic disfigurement and functional disturbances. Impacts on body image, sexual function and quality of life are major, and difficult to explore because cancer treatment itself and lymphedema are so closely interwoven. Local complications, e.g., papillomatosis, warty growth, lymph vesicles with embarrassing lymph oozing and cellulitis, may occur. Usual lymphedema therapies, like bandaging and elastic compression, are poorly adapted to these sites. Surgery, essentially based on cutaneous resection techniques, is the primary symptomatic treatment; it achieves good efficacy, in adults and children, with possible recurrence requiring reintervention.