Women with breast cancer who develop lymphedema following dissection of their lymph nodes have a significantly poorer quality of life, according to researchers at the Boston University Medical Center.

Lymphedema is an accumulation of fluid in the arm caused by the removal of the lymph nodes in the axilla (armpit).

The usual care for early-stage breast cancer includes surgical removal of the tumor and dissection of axillary lymph nodes. Despite increased use of breast-conserving surgery, lymphedema rates are similar to those with more radical surgery.

Researchers conducted a study to determine if women who experience breast cancer-related lymphedema have a measurable reduction in their quality of life compared with women without lymphedema.

A total of 151 women surgically treated for early-stage breast cancer were assessed at least one year after their surgery that included axillary lymph node dissection. The women had been treated with either lumpectomy followed by radiation or mastectomy without radiation.

Arm volume, grip strength, range-of-motion and arm function measurements were taken. A quality of life measurement included breast, emotional, functional, physical and social well-being.

Forty-two women had lymphedema (27.8 percent), according to the study published in the Archives of Surgery. Mastectomy or lumpectomy patients had similar lymphedema rates. Women with lymphedema in both surgical groups scored significantly lower on four of the five quality of life measurements than women without lymphedema.

"Lymphedema occurs at appreciable rates, and its impact on long-term quality of life in survivors of early-stage breast cancer should not be underestimated," concluded the researchers.

Other sources: Archives of Surgery