The Risk Factors Associated with Lymphedema after Axillary Dissection for Breast Cancer.
- Author:
Kyeong Woo LEE
1
;
Sang Beom KIM
;
Kisung YOON
;
Hyun KWAK
;
Se Heon CHO
;
Jung Min PARK
;
Hi Suk KWAK
;
Jong Hwa LEE
Author Information
1. Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Dong-A University College of Medicine, Korea.
- Publication Type:Multicenter Study ; Original Article
- Keywords:
Lymphedema;
Breast cancer;
Axillary dissection;
Radiotherapy
- MeSH:
Body Mass Index;
Breast Neoplasms*;
Breast*;
Drug Therapy;
Humans;
Incidence;
Lymph Node Excision;
Lymphedema*;
Radiotherapy;
Risk Factors*;
Superficial Back Muscles
- From:Journal of the Korean Surgical Society
2006;71(2):85-89
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
PURPOSE: We wanted to evaluate the risk factors for developing lymphedema following axillary lymph node dissection in breast cancer patients. METHODS: Ninety-six patients who underwent axillary dissection for breast cancer were followed-up for up to 1 year. Lymphedema was assessed using a serial circumferential measurement method. More than a 2 cm difference in circumference was considered as clinically significant lymphedema. The effects of age, the body mass index (BMI), the cancer stage, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, the location of cancer and creating a latissimus dorsi (LD) flap on the development of lymphedema were analyzed. RESULTS: The incidence of lymphedema was increased with the advancing cancer stage. Radiotherapy was found to increase the incidence of lymphedema. Patients who had received an LD flap showed a lower incidence of lymphedema. CONCLUSION: These results could be useful as a clinical guideline for creating a management plan for postoperative lymphedema. Because there are some differences in the results between all the relevant reports, including ours, further research is needed in the form of a large, multi-center, long-term study.
