AXILLARY WEB SYNDROME, THE LOST CORD, AND LINGERING QUESTIONS

Abstract

Axillary Web Syndrome (AWS),sometimes also referred to as cording lymphedema,is an unfortunate and frustratingcomplication that can follow operation andspecifically axillary lymphadenectomy for thetreatment of breast cancer. Although mostlymphologists are familiar with AWS, themechanism(s) of its origin and developmentare largely unknown, there is disagreementabout what the cords are composed of, andworldwide treatments vary widely. In thisissue, the two lead articles focus on imagingthe cords and offer insights into theircomposition.