Assessment of Muscle Strength and Volume Changes in Patients With Breast Cancer- Related Lymphedema

Assessment of Muscle Strength and Volume Changes in Patients With Breast Cancer- Related Lymphedema

This study aims to find whether complete decongestive therapy used in breast cancer-related lymphedema has an effect on muscle strength in the affected arm, while assessing the efficacy of the therapy itself. 74 patients with breast cancer related lymphedema were included in this study. Patients were taken their demographic and clinical history and were evaluated with measurements of extremity volumes and hand grip strengths using a hand dynamometer before and after the complete decongestive therapy. Data were then assessed using relevant statistical methods.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Having had mastectomy or breast conserving surgery
• Having a certain diagnosis of lymphedema with a difference in arm circumferences more than 1 cm

Exclusion Criteria:

• The subjects with active infection or cancer with metastases, the ones who didn't accept the complete decongestive therapy, patients with vascular disease, rheumatic disease, upper limb deformity, any upper limb surgery history, bilateral lymphedema or a history of transplantation were excluded