Recovery of the Upper Limb Function after Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy or Axillary Dissection.

Abstract

Abstract Introduction:Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) is widely accepted as an excellent method in the management of early breast cancer in patients with clinically negative axillary lymph nodes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between the type of breast cancer surgery and early postoperative arm mobility.Materials and methods:The study group consisted of 290 consecutive patients aged 30 to 86 years (median age 58) with breast cancer, operated upon in the Department of Breast Surgery and evaluated in Department of Rehabilitation Medicine afterward, between February 2005 and December 2008. Out of the 290 patients, 126 (43.4% - group 1) underwent breast conserving therapy with SLNB, 65 (22.4% - group 2) simple mastectomy with SLNB, 41 (14.1% - group 3) breast conserving therapy with axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) and 58 (20% - group 4) modified radical mastectomy. Shoulder mobility was evaluated after 1month and after 3 months.Results:After 1 month, patients in the ALND group (group 3 and 4) had more limitations in shoulder mobility than patients in the SLNB group (group1 and 2).After 3 months, shoulder mobility was not different between the ALND group (n=52) and the SLNB group (n=32) (shoulder flexion: 161.6±22.5 degree vs. 167.8±19.5 degree, abduction: 165.2±27.5 degree vs. 164.4±28.9 degree, respectively).Conclusion:In terms of upper limb functional status, the benefits of SLNB over ALND was observed at the early postoperative time. However, long-term effects have to be confirmed by further, larger series. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2009;69(24 Suppl):Abstract nr 3118.