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Journal of Cancer Survivorship

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Open Access 01-06-2010

Upper extremity impairments in women with or without lymphedema following breast cancer treatment

Authors: Betty Smoot, Josephine Wong, Bruce Cooper, Linda Wanek, Kimberly Topp, Nancy Byl, Marylin Dodd

Published in: Journal of Cancer Survivorship | Issue 2/2010

Abstract

Introduction

Breast-cancer-related lymphedema affects ∼25% of breast cancer (BC) survivors and may impact use of the upper limb during activity. The purpose of this study is to compare upper extremity (UE) impairment and activity between women with and without lymphedema after BC treatment.

Methods

144 women post BC treatment completed demographic, symptom, and Disability of Arm-Shoulder-Hand (DASH) questionnaires. Objective measures included Purdue pegboard, finger-tapper, Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments, vibration perception threshold, strength, range of motion (ROM), and volume.

Results

Women with lymphedema had more lymph nodes removed (p < .001), more UE symptoms (p < .001), higher BMI (p = .041), and higher DASH scores (greater limitation) (p < .001). For all participants there was less strength (elbow flexion, wrist flexion, grip), less shoulder ROM, and decreased sensation at the medial upper arm (p < .05) in the affected UE. These differences were greater in women with lymphedema, particularly in shoulder abduction ROM (p < .05). Women with lymphedema had bilaterally less elbow flexion strength and shoulder ROM (p < .05). Past diagnosis of lymphedema, grip strength, shoulder abduction ROM, and number of comorbidities contributed to the variance in DASH scores (R ² of 0.463, p < .001).

Implications for cancer survivors

UE impairments are found in women following treatment for BC. Women with lymphedema have greater UE impairment and limitation in activities than women without. Many of these impairments are amenable to prevention measures or treatment, so early detection by health care providers is essential.

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Title: Upper extremity impairments in women with or without lymphedema following breast cancer treatment
Authors: Betty Smoot
Josephine Wong
Bruce Cooper
Linda Wanek
Kimberly Topp
Nancy Byl
Marylin Dodd
Publication date: 01-06-2010
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: Journal of Cancer Survivorship / Issue 2/2010
Print ISSN: 1932-2259
Electronic ISSN: 1932-2267
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11764-010-0118-x

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Abstract

Introduction

Methods

Results

Implications for cancer survivors

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