Predictors of Lymphedema Following Breast Cancer
Abstract
Surgery for breast cancer includes removal of the breast tumor along with the axillary lymph nodes. The status of these nodes helps clinicians determine the patient's prognosis and guides treatment decisions. Unfortunately, a relatively common side effect following axillary lymph node dissection is upper-extremity lymphedema. An estimated 6% to 35% of patients who have surgery for breast cancer develop lymphedema sometime after breast cancer treatment. It can range from mild to severe, and can be a chronic condition that affects patents' quality of life for years after cancer surgery. The purpose of this study is to identify risk factors for lymphedema among women who have had axillary surgery for breast cancer. Specific aims include identifying risk factors for lymphedema and comparing quality of life (QOL) ratings for women who have and do not have lymphedema. A case-control study will be conducted with an enrollment of 200 participants. Cases will be identified from physical therapy or cancer centers. Using the oncology registry, controls will include patients who have had breast cancer surgery and did not develop lymphedema. The severity of case subjects' lymphedema and its interference with daily life will be assessed with the Measure of Arm Symptom Survey (MASS), a patient-completed survey, and QOL will be collected with the SF-36. Treatment risk factors, such as previous surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, will be obtained from oncology registry data. This study will help to determine which factors play a role in lymphedema development.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 2005
- Accession Number
- ADA446375
Entities
People
- Karen K. Swenson