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Updated: Oct 5, 2025
05:44
Ultrasonographic Evaluation of Breast Cancer-related Lymphedema
Published on: January 12, 2017
10.2K
Lymphatic Pain in Breast Cancer Survivors.
Katie Fitzgerald Jones1, Mei Rosemary Fu2, Melissa L McTernan3
1Boston College, William F. Connell School of Nursing, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, USA.
Lymphatic Research and Biology
|January 28, 2022
Summary
Lymphatic pain, characterized by co-occurring pain and swelling, affects 33% of breast cancer survivors. This condition significantly impairs daily activities and is linked to lymphedema and higher BMI.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Symptom Research
- Lymphedema Studies
Background:
- Chronic pain in the upper limb or body is common in breast cancer survivors.
- Lymphatic pain, defined as concurrent pain and swelling, is poorly understood.
- Understanding predictors and effects of lymphatic pain is crucial for survivor care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine predictors of lymphatic pain in breast cancer survivors.
- To investigate the impact of lymphatic pain on activities of daily living (ADLs).
- To identify associations between lymphatic pain, lymphedema, and limb volume.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 568 breast cancer survivors was studied.
- Data collected included demographics, clinical factors, BMI, and limb volume.
- Lymphatic pain and ADLs were assessed using validated questionnaires; statistical models were employed.
Main Results:
- Lymphatic pain was reported by 33.1% of survivors.
- Younger age, higher BMI, financial hardship, and lymphedema diagnosis predicted lymphatic pain.
- Lymphatic pain was significantly associated with greater ADL impairments and increased limb volume differences.
Conclusions:
- Lymphatic pain is prevalent in breast cancer survivors and significantly impacts their quality of life.
- Findings suggest a potential link between lymphatic fluid accumulation and lymphatic pain.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms of lymphatic pain and its management.
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