• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.13 no.4
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• pp.87-93
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• 2006

The purpose of this study was to compare the quality of life (QOL) between breast cancer patients with lymphedema and without using the SF-36 (Korean version). Fifty-three consecutive, unselected patients who underwent treatment for breast cancer patients with lymphedema and 37 patients without lymphedema from August 4, 2004 to October 13, 2005 were interviewed and asked to complete the SF-36. These data were used to test the hypothesis that breast cancer patients with lymphedema experience impaired quality of life relative to their control group. The lymphedema group scored poorer than the control group on six of the eight subscales as well as the physical component summary scale of the SF-36 (p<.05). Only bodily pain didn't show statistical difference (p>.05). Breast cancer patients with lymphedema appear to experience problems in multiple quality of life domains compared with without lymphedema group. These findings demonstrate the need for interventions to improve the quality of life in breast cancer patients with lymphedema.

• CELLMED
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.7.1-7.3
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• 2023

Objective: Ortho-Cellular Nutrition Therapy (OCNT) Experiential treatment for Breast Cancer, lymphedema Patients Methods: The patient is a Korean woman aged 50 years. She was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer, the right lymph node was removed, resulting in lymphedema and pain. Results: After nutritional therapy, lymphedema improved. Conclusion: The patient's lymphedema improved, and she regained her daily vitality.

• Korean Journal of Adult Nursing
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• v.18 no.3
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• pp.357-366
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• 2006

Purpose: The purpose of this study were to examine the incidence of lymphedema and to compare to physiological and psychosocial symptoms between breast cancer patients with lymphedema and without lymphedema. Method: Four hundreds fifty women with breast cancer receiving mastectomy were recruited from two out-patient breast clinics of A and S university hospitals in Seoul, Korea from October, 2004 to May, 2005. Lymphedema was defined by circumferential measurement. Differences greater than 2cm between the affected arm and normal arm were considered to be lymphedema. A descriptive design was used for this study and data was collected using a structured questionnaire. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and independent t-test. Results: Lymphedema developed in 112(24.9%) of the 450 subjects. Subjects with lymphedema reported more severe sensation change of arm and more depression and confusion than subjects without lymphedema. Range of motion of shoulder as a physical indicator and social support, however, were not significantly different between the two groups. Conclusion: Lymphedema is recognized as an unpleasant and uncomfortable consequence of breast cancer-related treatment. Therefore, more research is needed to evaluate the impact of lymphedema on quality of life in patients with lymphedema and the efficacy of nursing intervention.

• Journal of Korean Critical Care Nursing
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• v.6 no.1
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• pp.21-33
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• 2013

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between lymphedema self-care management and quality of life in breast cancer patients with mastectomy and lymphedema. Methods: One hundred and eighty-six breast cancer patients with mastectomy and lymphedema (n=186) were recruited at a medical center located in Seoul. The levels of lymphedema self-care management and quality of life were measured by the scale for measurement of practice in lymphedema self-care management, European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer-Quality of Life Core 30 (EORTC QLQ-C30) and European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer-Quality of Life Questionnaire Breast Cancer Module (EORTC QLQ BR23), respectively. Data were analyzed with SPSS 18.0 program. Results: There were statistically significant correlations between lymphedema self-care management and general health status/quality of life in mastectomy patients with lymphedema (r=.30, p<.001). The physical function score of cancer related function scale (r=-.15, p=.033), fatigue score of cancer related symptom scale (r=.15, p=.036), systemic side effect score of breast cancer related symptom scale (r=.45, p=.034), and upset by hair loss (r=.27, p=.004) were significantly correlated with quality of life. Conclusion: The findings suggest that these significant factors should be considered when caring for lymphedema patients.

• Clinical Pain
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.129-132
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• 2020

Fracture is uncommon cause of lymphedema. The mechanism of lymphedema progression is still unknown, but disruption of the lymphatic system during and after fracture might be involved. In contrast, breast cancer surgery is a common cause of lymphedema and is usually caused by the removal of axillary lymph nodes. Sentinel node biopsy (SNB) has been adopted in early breast cancer to reduce the risk of lymphedema. Thus, the incidence of lymphedema in SNB was lowered. However, less than 10% of SNB patients are still diagnosed with lymphedema, but it is known that it took years to diagnose. Recently, we encountered atypical lymphedema occurred after breast cancer surgery with SNB. Symptoms started earlier than usual and were more severe. Interestingly, she has a history of a proximal radial fracture on the same side of SNB. We thought there could be a relationship between the acceleration of breast cancer-related lymphedema and fracture.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.49 no.2
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• pp.150-157
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• 2022

Patients undergoing treatment for breast cancer who undergo an axillary dissection and require adjuvant therapies such as radiation and chemotherapy are at high risk of developing lymphedema of the associated extremity. Historically, patients with lymphedema were treated with ablative procedures aimed simply to remove excess fluid and adiposity; however, the field of lymphatic surgery employing super-microsurgery techniques has witnessed tremendous advances in a relatively short period of time. Advancements in surgical instruments, microscope magnification and optics, imaging technology, and surgeon experience have ushered in a new era of hope to treat patients suffering from breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL). Here we aim to present the available options for patients suffering from BCRL, and the pinnacle in reconstruction and restoration for these patients.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.27 no.5
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• pp.339-344
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• 2015

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of high and low resistance exercise using an elastic band on the strength and lymphedema of upper extremity in patients with breast cancer. Methods: Seventeen female patients with breast cancer related lymphedema were randomly allocated to the high (n=9) or low (n=8) resistance exercise group. Both groups participated in the elastic band exercise program three times a week for eight weeks. For the high resistance exercise group (HR), the resistance was gradually increased, while maintaining constant intensity of exercise for the low resistance exercise group (LR). Assessments made include the upper extremity muscle strength and lymphedema before and after training. Results: After the exercise program, the HR showed significantly improved shoulder flexion and elbow flexion strength variation compared to the LR (p<0.05). Upper arm edema rate was significantly decreased in HR (p<0.05), but the difference between the two groups was not significant. Conclusion: These findings suggest that the elastic band exercise helps improve the strength and lymphedema of upper extremity in patients with breast cancer. In particular, high resistance exercise is more effective in improving muscle strength and does not exacerbate lymphedema, rather may improve upper arm edema if it is applied with a low elastic bandage or compression sleeve.

• Women's Health Nursing
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• v.17 no.5
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• pp.474-483
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• 2011

Purpose: To examine the details of lymphedema, upper limb morbidity, and its self management in women after breast cancer treatment. Methods: Using a cross-sectional survey design, 81 women were recruited from a university hospital. Lymphedema was detected by a nurse as a 2-cm difference between arm circumferences at 6 different points on the arm. Degrees of pain, stiffness, and numbness were scored using a drawing of upper limb on a 0~10 point scale. Aggravating conditions and self-management for lymphedema were also recorded. Results: The mean age of the participants was 52.5 years; the average time since breast surgery was 29.7 months. Histories of modified radical mastectomy (55%) and lymph node dissection (81%) were noted. Lymphedema was found in 59% of women, then pain and stiffness were prevalent most at upper arm while numbness was apparentat fingers, and the symptom distress scores ranged 3.9~6.7. Women experienced aggravated arm swelling after routine housework with greatly varied duration. Self-management was conservative with a wide range of times for the relief of symptoms. Conclusion: Lymphedema education for women with breast cancer should be incorporated into the oncologic nursing care system to prevent its occurrence and arm morbidity. Risk reduction guidelines, individually tailored self-care strategies, and self-awareness for early detection need to be refined in clinical nursing practices.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.40 no.3
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• pp.343-355
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• 2019

Objectives: Traditional oriental medicine is used in treating breast cancer-related lymphedema to alleviate symptoms. Upper limb lymphedema is a symptom that is frequently observed in patients with breast cancer, and it impairs their quality of life. This systematic review aimed to summarize the current available evidence to evaluate the effect of traditional oriental medicine on upper limb lymphedema in breast cancer patients. Methods: The review evaluated randomized controlled trials (RCTs) measuring the effect of herbal medicine, acupuncture, and moxibustion on upper limb lymphedema in breast cancer patients within four electronic databases. The Cochrane risk of bias (ROB) tool was used to assess the quality of the RCTs. Results: In total, 23 RCTs met the inclusion criteria. Among them, 22 studies reported that the rate of severity of lymphedema improved after treatment in the traditional treatment group using herbal medicine, acupuncture, or moxibustion better than in the conventional medicine group. The methodological quality of the RCTs was insufficient with an unclear and high ROB. Conclusions: Traditional oriental medicine may have a potential to improve lymphedema in patients with breast cancer. To confirm the clinical recommendation, further research with a rigorous study design is required to support the effects of traditional oriental medicine.

• The Korean Journal of Rehabilitation Nursing
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.117-125
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• 2012

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to develop and validate of a knowledge scale for lymphedema in patients with breast cancer. Methods: 34 preliminary items were made according to literature review, then verified content validity, construct validity, and reliability of the scale. 28 items among them were confirmed through content analysis by 4 experts. After a preliminary test, a survey for 156 breast cancer patients was performed for confirming construct validity and reliability. The data were analyzed using factor analysis, independent t-test, and KR-20. Results: This scale had 28 items consisting of 2 categories: prevention and self-care of lymphedema. Construct validity was confirmed by known-group technique because there were some categories consisted of just one or two items, and some mismatches between categories and items in factor analysis. Women who were educated about lymphedema scored significantly higher than women who had not (t=-3.92, p<.001). Reliability was appropriate (KR-20=.81). A percentage of correct answers was 74.6%, but it was from 31.8% to 96.1%. Conclusion: The study shows that this scale is reliable and valid to measure the knowledge of lymphedema. This scale can be effective to assess and educate the patients with breast cancer.