Prospective evaluation of the morbidity of axillary clearance for breast cancer.
BACKGROUND
Axillary clearance, despite its morbidity, retains an essential role in the management of patients with breast cancer. The aim of this prospective study was to document the development of arm swelling and limitation of shoulder movement following complete axillary clearance.


METHODS
One hundred patients who had axillary clearance to level III, for treatment of breast cancer, were followed prospectively for over 1 year. Arm volumes were measured using an optoelectronic volometer and shoulder movements with a goniometer.


RESULTS
Ten patients had significant arm swelling at 1 year. The swelling was mild in eight and moderate in two. No patient developed severe swelling. Reduced arm movements were noted in the first week after operation but had returned to normal at 6 months.


CONCLUSIONS
This study provided accurate documentation of the morbidity associated with axillary clearance, together with a reproducible method of arm volume measurement.
Duff
M
M
St Vincent's University Hospital, Elm Park, Dublin 4, Ireland.
Hill
A D
AD
McGreal
G
G
Walsh
S
S
McDermott
E W
EW
O'Higgins
N J
NJ
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001365:Axilla; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008197:Lymph Node Excision / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008207:Lymphatic Metastasis; D008209:Lymphedema / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology; D008408:Mastectomy / Q000379:methods; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular