Comparison of quality of life and arm complaints after axillary lymph node dissection versus sentinel lymph node biopsy in breast cancer patients

Abstract

Background: The sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) represents a minimal invasive surgical method for axillary staging in patients with primary breast cancer. Patients and methods: In a prospective study evaluation of quality of life (QOL) and arm morbidity was performed before surgery on a total of 56 breast cancer patients. The EORTC QLQ-C30 and EORTC QLQ-BR23 questionnaires were used for QOL assessment. Assessment of pain was additionally observed using the McGill Pain Questionnaire. Arm mobility was observed by goniometric measurement of arm movement. Data were collected before surgery (t1), one week after discharge (t2) and 9–12 months after surgery (t3). Results: Patients treated with SLNB show a significant improvement of global QOL at a short-time follow-up. Body image and sexual functioning remain stable in both types of axillary surgery. Arm/shoulder pain was reported in 36% of patients after SLNB in comparison to 68% receiving axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) and „numbness“ was reported only in 4% of patients in the SLNB group versus 19.3% after ALND. Abduction, flexion and horizontal adduction of the affected arm show significant impairment after ALND. Conclusions: Breast cancer patients should be counselled about the benefits of SLNB over ALND concerning QOL and post-surgery side effects in a short term follow up.