Open AccessLymphoedema and reduced shoulder function as indicators of quality of life after axillary lymph node dissection for invasive breast cancer
Author(s) -
Voogd A. C.,
Ververs J. M. M. A.,
Vingerhoets A. J. J. M.,
Roumen R. M. H.,
Coebergh J. W. W.,
Crommelin M. A.
Publication year - 2003
Publication title -
british journal of surgery
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.202
H-Index - 201
eISSN - 1365-2168
pISSN - 0007-1323
DOI - 10.1002/bjs.4010
Subject(s) - medicine , axillary lymph node dissection , breast cancer , lymph node , quality of life (healthcare) , circumference , dissection (medical) , lymphedema , surgery , axillary dissection , axilla , range of motion , physical therapy , cancer , mastectomy , sentinel lymph node , nursing , geometry , mathematics
Abstract Background: The aim was to explore measurements of arm circumference and shoulder abduction as indicators of quality of life after axillary lymph node dissection for invasive breast cancer. Methods: Differences in arm circumference and shoulder abduction were measured in 465 consecutive women who underwent axillary lymph node dissection. These women received a treatment‐specific questionnaire on the severity of physical disability and the effects on their daily life and well‐being. Results: The questionnaire was returned by 400 women (86 per cent). Of these 400, only the 332 women who did not receive axillary radiotherapy were included in the analysis. Their mean time since axillary lymph node dissection was 4·2 (range 0·3–28) years. For 86 patients (26 per cent) there was a difference in arm circumference of 2 cm or more, or a difference in abduction of 20° or more. These patients found it more difficult to do household chores, were more likely to have given up hobbies, felt more disabled and were more likely to be treated by a physiotherapist. However, complaints also occurred among the women with smaller differences in arm circumference and shoulder abduction, although the frequency and severity of their complaints were similar to those in women without swelling of the arm or without restricted shoulder abduction. Conclusion: Measuring arm circumference and shoulder abduction during control visits identifies only some of the women whose daily life and well‐being is affected by the side‐effects of axillary lymph node dissection. Copyright © 2003 British Journal of Surgery Society Ltd. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd