Prospective evaluation of the morbidity of axillary clearance for breast cancer

Background: Axillary clearance, despite its morbidity, retains an essential role in the management of patients with breast cancer. The aim of this prospective study was to document the development of arm swelling and limitation of shoulder movement following complete axillary clearance. Methods: One...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:British journal of surgery 2001-01, Vol.88 (1), p.114-117
Main Authors: Duff, M., Hill, A. D. K., McGreal, G., Walsh, S., McDermott, E. W., O'Higgins, N. J.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult
Aged
Axilla
Biological and medical sciences
Breast Neoplasms - pathology
Breast Neoplasms - surgery
Female
Gynecology. Andrology. Obstetrics
Humans
Lymph Node Excision - adverse effects
Lymphatic Metastasis
Lymphedema - etiology
Lymphedema - pathology
Mammary gland diseases
Mastectomy - methods
Medical sciences
Middle Aged
Prospective Studies
Range of Motion, Articular
Tumors
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Summary:Background: Axillary clearance, despite its morbidity, retains an essential role in the management of patients with breast cancer. The aim of this prospective study was to document the development of arm swelling and limitation of shoulder movement following complete axillary clearance. Methods: One hundred patients who had axillary clearance to level III, for treatment of breast cancer, were followed prospectively for over 1 year. Arm volumes were measured using an optoelectronic volometer and shoulder movements with a goniometer. Results: Ten patients had significant arm swelling at 1 year. The swelling was mild in eight and moderate in two. No patient developed severe swelling. Reduced arm movements were noted in the first week after operation but had returned to normal at 6 months. Conclusion: This study provided accurate documentation of the morbidity associated with axillary clearance, together with a reproducible method of arm volume measurement. © 2001 British Journal of Surgery Society Ltd
ISSN:0007-1323
1365-2168
DOI:10.1046/j.1365-2168.2001.01620.x