The Epidemiology of Arm and Hand Swelling in Premenopausal Breast Cancer Survivors

Abstract

Background: Breast cancer survivors suffer from lymphedema of the arm and/or hand. Accurate estimates of the incidence and prevalence of lymphedema are lacking, as are the effects of this condition on overall quality of life. Methods: Six hundred twenty-two breast cancer survivors (age, V45 years at diagnosis) were followed with semiannual questionnaires for 36 months after surgery to determine the incidence of lymphedema, prevalence of persistent swelling, factors associated with each, and quality of life. Results: Of those contacted and eligible for the study, 93% agreed to participate. Fifty-four percent reported arm or hand swelling by 36 months after surgery, with 32% reporting persistent swelling. Swelling was reported to occur in the upper arm (43%), the hand only (34%), and both arm and hand (22%). Factors associated with an increased risk of developing swelling included having a

Lymphatic drainage in the muscle and subcutis of the arm after breast cancer treatment

“…The incidence of BCRL following standard axillary nodal surgery (19% at 7-30 months, 32.5% including the incipient cases) is consistent with previous studies [2][3][4][5]. The reported frequency of BCRL among women treated for breast cancer varies because of differing definitions of BCRL and differing follow-up periods.…”

“…In 21-33% of women this results in a swelling of the arm, breast cancer-related lymphoedema (BCRL), after a delay of months to years [1][2][3][4][5]. BCRL is associated with pain, impaired function, psychological morbidity, cellulitis, occasionally skin malignancy, and remains a significant clinical problem.…”

Experience With Subcutaneous Trastuzumab Used in Russian Federation

“…с соавт. было показано, что от 8 до 56% пациентов, прооперированных по поводу рака молочной железы, в течение 2 лет после хирургического вмешательства имеют риск развития лимфостаза верхней конечности со стороны имевшегося поражения, что в большинстве случаев полностью исклю-чает дальнейшую перспективу периферического веноз-ного доступа на стороне поражения [6]. Флебиты, индуци-рованные введением цитостатиков, развиваются у 70% больных [7].…”

Physical Activity and Cancer

“…This removal can cause damage to the lymph system resulting in swelling of soft tissue in the arm. This is called lymphedema, and can affect over half of breast cancer survivors (Paskett et al, 2007). Lymphedema can also be caused by radiation therapy to the underarm, neck or groin areas, a tumour blockage or infection restricting lymph flow, and may also affect patients with cancers of the prostate, pelvic area, blood and skin.…”

“…One study even found that after a randomised controlled one-year weight training intervention for women who had had at least two lymph nodes removed, the incidence of lymphedema was lower in the intervention group compared with the no-exercise control group, and that this difference was significant for women who had had five or more lymph nodes removed . Further, that the evidence suggests that obesity increases the risk of developing lymphedema (Paskett et al, 2007;Ridner et al, 2011;Sagen et al, 2009), and therefore any physical activity which results in weight loss may also have a protective effect against lymphedema onset or progression.…”