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Assessment of morbidity from complete axillary dissection
1Wessex Radiotherapy Centre, Royal South Hants Hospital, Southampton, UK.
British Journal of Cancer
|July 1, 1992
Summary
Full axillary dissection for breast cancer is crucial, but often causes side effects like numbness and pain. These complications are usually mild and should not prevent this essential surgical treatment.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Surgical Pathology
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Axillary dissection is a standard surgical procedure for operable breast cancer.
- The morbidity associated with full axillary dissection requires further documentation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the morbidity of full axillary dissection in breast cancer patients.
- To quantify the incidence of specific side effects following the procedure.
Main Methods:
- A study involving 126 women who underwent full axillary dissection.
- Assessment of patient-reported symptoms (numbness, pain, weakness, swelling, stiffness).
- Objective measurements of decreased sensation, weakness, swelling, and stiffness.
Main Results:
- High incidence of subjective complaints: 70% numbness, 33% pain, 25% weakness, 24% swelling, 15% stiffness.
- Objective findings: 81% decreased sensation, 27% weakness, 10% swelling, 10% stiffness.
- Symptoms were generally mild, affecting daily life in 39% of patients.
Conclusions:
- Side effects of full axillary dissection are common in breast cancer treatment.
- Patients should be informed about potential mild side effects prior to surgery.
- These common, mild side effects should not contraindicate axillary dissection as part of definitive treatment.