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Journal of Ovarian Research

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Open Access 01-12-2014 | Research

Lower extremity edema in patients with early ovarian cancer

Authors: Myong Cheol Lim, Jeong Seon Lee, Byung Ho Nam, Sang-Soo Seo, Sokbom Kang, Sang-Yoon Park

Published in: Journal of Ovarian Research | Issue 1/2014

Abstract

Background

The objective of this study was to investigate clinical manifestations of lower extremity edema (LEE) in early ovarian cancer.

Methods

Patients with early ovarian cancer who underwent staging surgery between January 2001 and December 2010. Medical records for LEE and/or responses to the Gynecologic Cancer Lymphedema Questionnaire (GCLQ) were evaluated.

Results

Patients had a median age of 46 years. Twenty-nine patients (40.8%) had past (13 patients, 44.8%) and/or current patient-reported LEE (16 patients, 55.2%). Symptoms reported on the GCLQ in over 20% of respondents were numbness, firmness/tightness, swelling, heaviness, limited movement of knee, and aching. GCLQ total symptoms score was significantly higher in patients with current LEE. Most of the LEE (25/29, 86.2%) developed within 12 months after surgery and LEE lasted more than 6 months in approximately two-thirds of the patients (18/29, 62.1%). Only half of the patients (52.1%) indicated knowledge of lymphedema: 86.2% of LEE patients and 28.6% of patients with no LEE.

Conclusions

Although a significant proportion of patients with ovarian cancer have LEE after surgery, most are not aware of lymphedema until they develop. Education and analyses for LEE and lymphedema are needed in patients with ovarian cancer.

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Title: Lower extremity edema in patients with early ovarian cancer
Authors: Myong Cheol Lim
Jeong Seon Lee
Byung Ho Nam
Sang-Soo Seo
Sokbom Kang
Sang-Yoon Park
Publication date: 01-12-2014
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: Journal of Ovarian Research / Issue 1/2014
Electronic ISSN: 1757-2215
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/1757-2215-7-28

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Lower extremity edema in patients with early ovarian cancer

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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