Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 21, 2026

Ultrasonographic Evaluation of Breast Cancer-related Lymphedema
Published on: January 12, 2017
Carpal tunnel syndrome in breast cancer survivors with upper extremity lymphedema
Michael D Stubblefield1, Arum Kim2, Elyn R Riedel3
1Department of Neurology, Rehabilitation Medicine Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Sillerman Center for Rehabilitation, 515 Madison Avenue, 5th Floor, New York, New York, 10022, USA.
Introduction:
Lymphedema has long been considered a risk factor for median nerve compression at the wrist and carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). This association is based on limited and poor quality data. We analyzed the association between lymphedema and CTS.
Methods:
Breast cancer survivors with upper extremity lymphedema and electrophysiologically confirmed CTS were assessed retrospectively. The severity of lymphedema was graded using the National Institutes of Health Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) v4.03. The severity of CTS was graded in accordance with accepted criteria.
Results:
Nineteen patients (38 sides) met the criteria for analysis. There was no association between presence of lymphedema and CTS (P = 0.66) or between lymphedema severity and CTS severity (P = 0.79). There were no cases of infection or worsening lymphedema as a result of needle EMG.
Conclusions:
These findings do not support lymphedema as an etiologic factor in the pathogenesis of CTS.
Related Concept Videos
Peripheral Artery Disease V: Postoperative Nursing Management
Assessment of the Cardiovascular System III: Palpation
Jugular Venous Pressure (JVP) Measurement
Position the patient at a thirty- to forty-five-degree angle or in a semi-fowler's position. Look for the highest point of pulsation in the internal jugular vein and measure the vertical distance to the angle of Loius or sternal angle. A normal JVP is 3-4 cm above...
Arteries of the Upper Limbs
Peripheral Arterial Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Evaluation

