INCIDENCE AND RISK FACTORS OF ARM OEDEMA FOLLOWING MODIFIED MASTECTTOMY OF BREAST CANCER

Abstract

Background: Lymphoedema after curative mastectomy related breast cancer is a late complication with estimates of incidence ranging from 6-70%. Lymphoedema may present immediately or years after treatment, majority of cases occur during the first 18 months. Objective: Investigate the incidence arm lymphedema and relation of age, tumor size, axillary node status, chemotherapy, radiation therapy for breast cancer- related arm lymphedema. Patients and methods: From 1/2014 to 12/2016, eligible patients including 164 breast cancer patient, clinically stage I,II,III, have been treated with surgery, adjuvant chemotherapy, radiation therapy and hormonotherapy accoding to stage of disease and follow-up at Hue University Hospital. Method: Prospective, observational study, with arm-circumference measurement of pre-operatively and at regular intervals post-operatively. Results: The incidence of lymphedema post-operatively is 38.4% including: mild lymphedema 19.5%, moderate 13.4% and severe 5.5%. Related factors including tumor size, axillary node status, chemotherapy and radiation therapy were statistically significantly associated with lymphoedema. Conclusion: Lymphoedema was a late complication, affected of quality of life of breast cancer patients. More systematic surveillance for early detection and appropriate treatment. Key words: Breast cancer, lymphoedema, arm oedema