The prevalence of arm oedema following treatment for breast cancer

Mortimer, Peter; Bates, DO; Brassington, H.D.; Stanton, A.W.B.; Strachan, D. P.; Levick, J. R.

doi:10.1093/qjmed/89.5.377

Cited by 156 publications

(84 citation statements)

References 6 publications

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“…With a high rate of 49%-63% reported during the era of radical mastectomy [26,27], the incidence of lymphedema has shown a decreasing trend following introduction and wide spread adaptation of technique of modified radical mastectomy [28,29]. Simple mastectomy without axillary dissection carried an incidence of 9.1% of lymphedema compared to 31.5% in patients following modified radical mastectomy in a report by Say et al [30].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…However some authors have noted that that the extent or level of axillary node dissection does not show statistically significant association with the risk of development of lymphedema [18,31]. Postoperative radiotherapy (and its sequelae) increase the risk of and aggravate lymphedema [13,28,29] although not all will agree [12]. Edwards et al studied the incidence of lymphedema after breast cancer treatment by volumetric method and subjective assessment of swelling and found no significant relationship between axillary irradiation and lymphedema [12].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Study of Incidence of Lymphedema in Indian Patients Undergoing Axillary Dissection for Breast Cancer

Pillai

Sharma

Ahmed

et al. 2010

Indian J Surg Oncol

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Lymphedema of the upper extremity, in addition to being unsightly, can be painful, can limit the arm movements, increases the risk of infection and is psychologically distressing, serving as a constant reminder of cancer. 1. To ascertain the incidence of lymphedema in a hospital based population (in patients undergoing axillary dissection for breast cancer. 2. To determine the clinicoepidemilogical factors associated with the occurrence of lymphedema in these patients. For all patients undergoing axillary dissection, arm measurements were taken in the pre-& post-operative period from at least 3 sites; one in the arm, forearm and wrist (points fixed in reference to fixed bony landmarks). Patients included in this study were followed up for at least 12 months. Circumference difference of more than 5% was taken as mild lymphedema; more than 10% as moderate lymphedema and more than 15% as severe lymphedema. Data was analyzed using SPSS 11.0 statistical software. Of the 231 patients in this study mean age was 51.2 years, majority were housewives (71.9%) and postmenopausal (58.5%). Modified radical mastectomy (MRM), was performed on 203 (87.9%) patients. 57.2% patients had positive lymph nodes. The mean number of positive nodes was 6.52. Majority of the patients received chemo and radio therapy. Overall incidence of lymphedema was 41.1%. The definition of 5-10% increase as mild lymphedema may be a bit severe as in most patients with this increase, lymphedema is not clinically apparent. The incidence of moderate and severe lymphedema in our series is only 7.4%. The incidence of clinically significant lymphedema (moderate to severe lymphedema & symptomatic mild lymphedema) was 16.8%. Only axillary irradiation and pathological nodal status (pN3) emerged as significant risk factors for lymphedema development on multivariate analysis. Lymphedema once established is difficult to treat. Combination of axillary dissection with radiation and more nodal positivity seems to predispose to lymphedema. Prevention by means of sentinel node biopsy in early cases, good surgical technique, arm care post surgery, exercises and massage therapy may help reducing the incidence and/or severity.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Study of Incidence of Lymphedema in Indian Patients Undergoing Axillary Dissection for Breast Cancer

Pillai

Sharma

Ahmed

et al. 2010

Indian J Surg Oncol

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“…Many trials (14,21,22) report that lymphedema has a significant tendency to increase with time. Moretimer et al (21) noted that there was a significant increase in prevalence with increasing time since treatment in patients who had received radiotherapy, but not in patients treated with surgery alone.…”

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confidence: 99%

“…Moretimer et al (21) noted that there was a significant increase in prevalence with increasing time since treatment in patients who had received radiotherapy, but not in patients treated with surgery alone. Moreover, they suggested that at least 3 years' follow-up was required for this tendency to manifest itself, particularly following radiotherapy.…”

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confidence: 99%

Risk Factors of Arm Lymphedema in Breast Cancer Patients

Koçak

Overgaard²

2000

Acta Oncologica

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“…[2][3][4][5][6] Due to the differences in the diagnostic and assessment methods and the range of follow-up of patients, the incidence of breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) is not known precisely. [7][8][9][10][11] While the exact incidence of lymphedema is unknown, the incidence of lymphedema is reported in the studies that show a wide range, such as 6-83%. [2,[12][13][14] The reason of this wide range is due to the fact different grading scales and symptom assessment tools were being used.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Management of Breast Cancer Related Lymphedema

Dönmez¹

2017

TJ Oncol

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SUMMARYLymphedema is one of the most common complications to occur after breast cancer treatment. It is an important problem that affects individuals' lifestyles and activities, causing physical and psychosocial problems, and negatively affecting quality of life. Treatment of lymphedema was thought to be impossible in the past, but it has now become possible to manage the condition more effectively with current treatment methods. Nurses, who are important members of the healthcare team, play a key role in helping patients to take responsibility and play an active part in the prevention, management, and follow-up of lymphedema. Nurses should be able to identify patients at high risk for developing lymphedema, provide the necessary training for lymphedema prevention, evaluate lymphedema, and plan for appropriate nursing interventions in the early stages. This literature review aims to inform nurses and other healthcare professionals about lymphedema management.

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The prevalence of arm oedema following treatment for breast cancer

Cited by 156 publications

References 6 publications

Study of Incidence of Lymphedema in Indian Patients Undergoing Axillary Dissection for Breast Cancer

Study of Incidence of Lymphedema in Indian Patients Undergoing Axillary Dissection for Breast Cancer

Risk Factors of Arm Lymphedema in Breast Cancer Patients

Management of Breast Cancer Related Lymphedema

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