The Risk of Lymphedema After Breast Cancer Surgery Should Not Restrict Necessary Hand Surgery Interventions

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Lymphedema Management
• Plastic Surgery

Background:

• Breast cancer surgery can increase the risk of lymphedema.
• Upper extremity interventions are common in breast cancer survivors.
• The safety of these interventions regarding lymphedema is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the incidence of lymphedema onset or exacerbation.
• To evaluate patients undergoing upper extremity interventions post-breast cancer surgery.
• To assess risks associated with nonoperative and operative procedures.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of 161 patients with prior breast cancer surgery.
• Inclusion criteria: history of breast cancer surgery/lymphedema, ipsilateral upper extremity intervention, and 1-month follow-up.
• Data collected on demographics, procedures, lymph node dissection, and lymphedema status.

Main Results:

• 385 hand interventions (300 injections, 85 surgeries) were analyzed with a median follow-up of 31 months.
• 19 patients with pre-existing lymphedema showed no exacerbations.
• 3 patients developed new-onset lymphedema (1.5% incidence) after an average of 30 months.

Conclusions:

• Upper extremity interventions in breast cancer survivors are associated with a low risk of lymphedema.
• Both nonoperative and operative procedures appear safe concerning lymphedema onset or exacerbation.
• This finding supports the continuation of necessary hand and upper extremity treatments.