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

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.