Abstract
We sought to define the incidence, risk factors, symptoms, and quality of life (QOL) outcomes associated with various degrees of postoperative limb volume change (LVC). A prospective cohort study was performed obtaining serial limb volume measurements using a perometer on 269 women undergoing surgery for breast cancer. Four groups were created based on maximum LVC: none <5.0%, mild 5.0-9.9%, moderate 10.0-14.9%, and severe 15.0%. Symptoms and QOL were assessed. 81 (30.1%), 70 (26.0%), and 14 (5.2%) women developed mild, moderate, and severe LVC, respectively. Increases in body mass index (p<0.001) and post-operative complications (p=0.002) were associated with increasing LVC. Lower QOL scores were associated with a moderate LVC (OR=3.72, 95% CI, 1.29-10.73, p=0.015) and postopera-tive infections (OR=5.04, 95% CI, 1.73-14.70, p=0.003). LVC at 5.0% occurs in up to 61.3% of breast cancer survivors and is associated with a significant increase in symptoms and a change in reported quality of life.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 161-175 |
Number of pages | 15 |
Journal | Lymphology |
Volume | 42 |
Issue number | 4 |
State | Published - Dec 2009 |
Keywords
- Breast cancer
- Lymphedema
- Quality of life
- Symptom assessment
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Immunology and Allergy
- Hematology