Objective: The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of the severity of lymphedema and the type of surgery on the quality of life in patients with upper extremity lymphedema.
Materials and methods: A total of 121 patients diagnosed with breast cancer-related lymphedema between age 18 and 65 years were included in the study. Lymphedema Functioning Disability and Health Questionnaire were used to evaluate the quality of life.
Results: The mean age of the patients was 54±6.12 years, and mean body mass index was 30.47±4.09 kg/m2. It was determined that 24.2% (n=22) of the participants had mild, and 75.8% (n=69) had moderate lymphedema. When the patients were divided into two groups according to the degree of lymphedema, and when the subparameters of the quality of life scale were compared, a statistically significant difference was found in the scores of physical function, housework, and mobility activities in the group with moderate lymphedema, but all subscores were affected (p<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between the quality of life scores of those who had undergone modified radical mastectomy or protective breast surgery (p>0.05).
Conclusion: Lymphedema in patients undergoing modified radical mastectomy or preventive breast surgery for breast cancer may cause a reduction in all subscales of the quality of life. Patients with moderate lymphedema are more affected by physical functions, housework, and mobility activities than patients with mild lymphedema.
Cite this article as: Kostanoğlu A. The Effect of Lymphedema Severity and Type of Surgery on the Quality of Life in Patients with Breast Cancer-Related Upper Extremity Lymphedema. Journal of Health Science and Profession 2019; 6(3): 454-60.