J Korean Surg Soc.  2006 Aug;71(2):85-89.

The Risk Factors Associated with Lymphedema after Axillary Dissection for Breast Cancer

• Lee KW
• Kim SB
• Yoon K
• Kwak H
• Cho SH
• Park JM
• Kwak HS
• Lee JH

Abstract

PURPOSE: We wanted to evaluate the risk factors for developing lymphedema following axillary lymph node dissection in breast cancer patients.
METHODS
Ninety-six patients who underwent axillary dissection for breast cancer were followed-up for up to 1 year. Lymphedema was assessed using a serial circumferential measurement method. More than a 2 cm difference in circumference was considered as clinically significant lymphedema. The effects of age, the body mass index (BMI), the cancer stage, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, the location of cancer and creating a latissimus dorsi (LD) flap on the development of lymphedema were analyzed.
RESULTS
The incidence of lymphedema was increased with the advancing cancer stage. Radiotherapy was found to increase the incidence of lymphedema. Patients who had received an LD flap showed a lower incidence of lymphedema.
CONCLUSION
These results could be useful as a clinical guideline for creating a management plan for postoperative lymphedema. Because there are some differences in the results between all the relevant reports, including ours, further research is needed in the form of a large, multi-center, long-term study.

Keyword

Lymphedema; Breast cancer; Axillary dissection; Radiotherapy

MeSH Terms

Body Mass Index
Breast Neoplasms*
Breast*
Drug Therapy
Humans
Incidence
Lymph Node Excision
Lymphedema*
Radiotherapy
Risk Factors*
Superficial Back Muscles