Risk Factors for Lymphedema in Breast Cancer Survivors Following Axillary Lymph Node Dissection

Abstract

The aim of the current study was to assess the risk factors for developing lymphedema following breast cancer treatment. Methods: The subjects of this study were 238 consecutive patients who underwent axillary lymph node dissection for breast cancer at Shikoku Cancer Center. The study variables were the occurrence of lymphedema, the body mass index, the follow-up period, the drain removal time, the level of lymph node dissection, the presence or absence of co-resident household members, radiation therapy, neoadjuvant chemotherapy, and adjuvant chemotherapy. Results: We observed lymphedema in 23.9% of patients after axillary lymph node dissection for breast cancer. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy and adjuvant chemotherapy using docetaxel and cyclophosphamide increased the risk of developing lymphedema (P <0.05). Conclusions: Those patients treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy and adjuvant chemotherapy using docetaxel and cyclophosphamide should be observed closely after axillary lymph node dissection, and appropriate intervention should be considered from an early stage.

Lymphedema after regional nodal irradiation for breast cancer: a retrospective cohort study

“…Therefore, the correlation between recurrence and lymphedema may be inevitable. Given that taxane use was found to increase the risk of lymphedema, similar to a previous study [ 7 ], close monitoring of these patients using taxane is warranted during RT. Since a high RNI dose is related to the occurrence of lymphedema after RT, further research is necessary.…”

Lymphedema and Air Travel After Breast Cancer Surgery

“…Meme kanseri tedavisinin en yaygın görülen komplikasyonudur. Meme kanserinin tedavisinde aksiller lenf diseksiyonu uygulanan her beş hastadan birinde lenfödem geliştiği belirtilmektedir 40 .…”

Predesigned chimeric deep inferior epigastric perforator and inguinal lymph node flap for combined breast and lymphedema reconstruction: A comprehensive algorithmic approach

“…The reported incidence of this complication in breast cancer survivors ranges widely from 6% to 60% and is mainly related to axillary lymph node dissection, radiotherapy, infection, and obesity. 1 , 2 , 3 Various microsurgical procedures, including lymphaticovenous anastomoses (LVAs) and vascularized lymph node transfers, have been utilized to treat BCRL, 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 while recently, preventive surgical operations have also been attempted to reduce the risk of secondary upper-limb lymphedema (ULL) in post-mastectomy patients. 10 , 11 …”