Authors (including presenting author) :
Yeung YM(1), Lau TK(1), Yuen SL(1)
Affiliation :
(1)Department of Surgery, Queen Elizabeth Hospital
Introduction :
Lymphedema is a common complication after treatment for breast cancer and it has been recognized as a complication of axillary lymph node dissection and this risk is significantly increased when surgery is combined with radiotherapy (Boyages, et al, 2020. A pilot lymphoedema assessment service conducted in Mar 2023 aim to detect any signs of breast cancer-related lymphoedema. Breast cancer patients who underwent curative breast surgery with sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) and / or axillary lymph node dissection (AD) were recruited in program. The SOZO device is used for the detection of lymphoedema (L-Dex module) assessment and monitoring the response to treatment.
Objectives :
To early detect any signs of breast cancer-related lymphoedema. Provide timely intervention to optimize management of lymphoedema and ongoing monitoring their progress.
Methodology :
Breast cancer patients who underwent breast surgery and radiotherapy between Mar – Dec 2023, their L-Dex scores were collected for retrospective analysis.
Result & Outcome :
A total of thirty patients were included in this study, with a mean age of 66 years. Seventeen patients underwent SLNB and thirteen patients underwent SLNB and /or AD. Five patients had a BMI ≥25 kg/ m2 at time of breast cancer diagnosis. Postoperative L-Dex score differences were minimal and non-significant and within normal range. Five patients underwent SLNB and radiotherapy; ten patients underwent AD and radiotherapy. There were significant differences in L-Dex score changes after radiotherapy. Fourteen patients had normal L-Dex score, one patient had abnormal range with L-Dex change ≥ 6.5 Units and early signs of lymphedema. Patient was educated on lymphoedema awareness and referred to physiotherapy for intervention and occupational therapy for compression sleeves. Her lymphedema symptoms were significantly reduced and relieved after timely intervention. Earlier stages lymphoedema are reversible and early detection is key for optimal lymphedema management. Thus breast nurse plays a significant role in supporting and empowering breast cancer patient on lymphoedema awareness, as well as early detection, and help them to avoid the negative, and preventable condition of lymphedema so as to prevent complications.
