MINIMAL LIMB VOLUME CHANGE HAS A SIGNIFICANT IMPACT ON BREAST CANCER SURVIVORS

Abstract

We sought to define the incidence, riskfactors, symptoms, and quality of life (QOL)outcomes associated with various degrees ofpostoperative limb volume change (LVC). Aprospective cohort study was performedobtaining serial limb volume measurementsusing a perometer on 269 women undergoingsurgery for breast cancer. Four groups werecreated based on maximum LVC: none <5.0%,mild 5.0-9.9%, moderate 10.0-14.9%, andsevere 15.0%. Symptoms and QOL wereassessed. 81 (30.1%), 70 (26.0%), and 14(5.2%) women developed mild, moderate, andsevere LVC, respectively. Increases in bodymass index (p<0.001) and post-operativecomplications (p=0.002) were associated withincreasing LVC. Lower QOL scores wereassociated with a moderate LVC (OR=3.72,95% CI, 1.29-10.73, p=0.015) and postoperativeinfections (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 associatedwith a significant increase in symptoms and achange in reported quality of life.