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9.Lymphedema after Treatment of Breast Cancer A Comprehensive Study
Shabab Hussain1, Khan Karim Afridi2, Viqar Aslam3, Mohammad Nasir2 and Fazal Ahmad1
ABSTRACT
Objective: This research aims to examine the factors of risk that are anticipated to impact the emergence of lymphedema subsequent to a full removal of lymph nodes in the armpit area.
Study Design: A Comprehensive Study
Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at the Department of Surgery KMU-IMS DHQ Teaching Hospital Kohat from January 2017 to June 2023.
Materials and Methods: After following their surgery, 240 patients who had received a modified radical mastectomy with complete removal of lymph nodes in the armpit area were assessed. The study conducted retrospectively between - Jan 2017 to 2023- conducted at department of Surgery KMU-IMS DHQ Teaching Hospital Kohat. The researchers investigated how variables various factors i.e., hypertension, BMI, radiotherapy, diabetes, chemotherapy, smoking, tamoxifen, stage of cancer, total indifferent lymph nodes, and exaggerated by metastasis, and total wound drainage volume, could potentially impact the development of lymphedema.
Practical implications: This study is clinically important as it will help to determine the association of lymphedema following breast cancer. It will help to highlight about the cases and incidence of lymphedema for the clinicians and researchers.
Results: Among 240 cases undergone through the treatment of breast cancer, 68 participants were diagnosed with lymphedema. Body mass index and axillary radiotherapy were identified to be the variables that enhances lymphedema incidence.
Conclusion: Study concluded that those women who had undergone through axillary radiotherapy and full axillary dissection combination faced a high lymphedema risk.
Key Words: Lymphedema, breast cancer, lymphatic drainage, mastectomy, metastatic lymph nodes.