Breast Cancer: Current Research
Open Access

Abstract

Objectives: To investigate the clinical characteristics of lymphedema patients with breast cancer and assess the effect of lymphedema on hand muscle strength Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 18 patients who first visited to our department and were diagnosed with lymphedema January 2016 to February 2017 at outpatient clinic. The demographic data, beck depression inventory (BDI), montreal cognitive assessment (MOCA), BMI (body mass index) swelling and handgrip strength were recorded. The arm circumference measurements were taken of wrist, 5 centimeter below the elbow, and 10 centimeter above the elbow joint. Jamar dynamometer was used to determine hand grip strength. Results: Among the 18 patients, the mean age was 55.0±12.1. The mean BDI score was 19.7±5.5. In addition, average MOCA score was 23.3±5.6 and BMI score was 23.7±1.9. Circumference of lymphedema side was higher than other side at all levels. The hand grip strength of lymphedema side was lower than the other side strength (p=0.015) and significantly lower than normal group (p=0.029, Table 1). A positive correlation was noted between hand grip strength difference and circumference difference (P<0.05, Table 2). Conclusions: The degree of edema is related to the strength of the hand with breast cancer related lymphedema patients. Also, mild depressive pattern and overweight may appear in patients with lymphedema. These findings will help us to understand breast cancer rehabilitation and more comprehensive research is needed in the future.

Biography

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