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. 2009 Dec;42(4):161-75.

Minimal limb volume change has a significant impact on breast cancer survivors

J N Cormier  1 , Y Xing, I Zaniletti, R L Askew, B R Stewart, J M Armer
Affiliations

Minimal limb volume change has a significant impact on breast cancer survivors

J N Cormier et al. Lymphology. 2009 Dec.

Abstract

We sought to define the incidence, risk factors, symptoms, and quality of life (QOL) outcomes associated with various degrees of postoperative limb volume change (LVC). A prospective cohort study was performed obtaining serial limb volume measurements using a perometer on 269 women undergoing surgery for breast cancer. Four groups were created based on maximum LVC: none < 5.0%, mild 5.0-9.9%, moderate 10.0-14.9%, and severe 15.0%. Symptoms and QOL were assessed. 81 (30.1%), 70 (26.0%), and 14 (5.2%) women developed mild, moderate, and severe LVC, respectively. Increases in body mass index (p < 0.001) and post-operative complications (p = 0.002) were associated with increasing LVC. Lower QOL scores were associated with a moderate LVC (OR = 3.72, 95% CI, 1.29-10.73, p = 0.015) and postoperative infections (OR = 5.04, 95% CI, 1.73-14.70, p = 0.003). LVC at 5.0% occurs in up to 61.3% of breast cancer survivors and is associated with a significant increase in symptoms and a change in reported quality of life.

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Conflict of interest statement

CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

None reported. JNC had full access to all the data in this study and had final responsibility for the decision to submit for publication.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Correlation between limb volume changes (%) calculated using contralateral limb at 24-month follow up with change calculated using ipsilateral limb at baseline.
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Cross-sectional distribution of Limb Volume Change (LVC) for all patients over time.
Fig 3
Fig 3
Cross-sectional distribution of Limb Volume Change (LVC) for patients undergoing Sentinel Node Biopsy over time.
Fig. 4
Fig. 4
Cross-sectional distribution of Limb Volume Change (LVC) for patients undergoing Lymph Node Dissection over time.
Fig. 5
Fig. 5
Percentage of patients in maximum LVC group stratified by type of surgical treatment.
Fig. 6
Fig. 6
Symptom and QOL standardized relative-percent scores (mean score/max score) stratified by maximum LVC group.
Fig. 7
Fig. 7
Box plot depicting percent change in Body Mass Index (BMI) among LVC groups with the box representing interquartile range and the line indicating the median; whiskers represent quartile-based boundaries with outlying values displayed as dots.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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