Factors Associated with Arm Swelling after Breast Cancer Surgery

Abstract

Our study highlights two important areas of future research that could reduce the incidence of lymphedema. There is a need to better understand the role that treatment for high blood pressure may play in protecting women from arm edema. Second, the potential effect of weight as a modifiable lymphedema risk factor needs to be studied in more detail in light of the conflicting results of different studies.

Breast cancer-related lymphoedema risk reduction advice: A challenge for health professionals

“…14,15 Studies have variously reported evaluation methods including selfreport of symptoms (e.g. heaviness, aching, swelling, loss of function), 16,17 objective measurement (using an array of measurement tools and protocols) [18][19][20] and a combination of the self-re-port and objective measures. [21][22][23][24] The evaluation method-ology is likely to affect incidence findings as recent studies using multiple methods have indicated greater subjective reporting of symptoms compared with objective measurement classification of BCRL.…”

“…Studies have shown a significant association 16 or trend towards association 26 between younger age and subjective reporting of upper limb symptoms. A study using objective arm circumferential measures found the incidence of BCRL in older patients (>55 years old) was significantly higher than younger patients.…”

Distribution of Early-Stage Lymphedema and Risk Factors in Postoperative Patients with Breast Cancer: A Hospital Based Study

“…When the risk factors were assessed in patients with lymphedema development, no statistically significant difference was found between the cases aged over 45 and under 45 in terms of lymphedema development. Geller et al 21 reported a significant increase in lymphedema development risk in women aged under 45. In many studies where age is assessed in the literature, similar to the results we obtained, this factor did not show a significant effect on lymphedema development.…”

“…In many studies where age is assessed in the literature, similar to the results we obtained, this factor did not show a significant effect on lymphedema development. 5,18,20,21,22 When BMI was assessed as a risk factor, it was seen that there was no statistically significant difference between the BMI values of >25 or ≤25 on lymphedema development. In the studies, lymphedema development risk shows a 2-fold increase in cases where BMI is over 30.…”

Preparing for and Coping with Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema

“…Lymphedema is a chronic condition involving accumulation of protein-rich fluid that impacts physical, functional, and psychosocial health and well-being (Beaulac, McNair, Scott, LaMorte, & Kavanah, 2002;Geller, Vacek, O'Brien, & Secker-Walker, 2003;Hull, 1998;Radina & Armer, 2004;Voogd et al, 2003). (Figure 1).…”