Eighteen sensations after breast cancer surgery: a comparison of sentinel lymph node biopsy and axillary lymph node dissection.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate prevalence, severity, and level of distress of 18 sensations at 3-15 days (baseline), 3 months, and 6 months after breast cancer surgery; to compare sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) to SLNB with immediate or delayed axillary lymph node dissection; to evaluate the Breast Sensation Assessment Scale(c) (BSAS(c)) for reliability and validity.


METHODS
Prospective, descriptive.


METHODS
Evelyn H. Lauder Ambulatory Breast Center at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York City.


METHODS
283 women with breast cancer; 187 had SLNB, and 96 had SLNB and axillary lymph node dissection.


METHODS
Patients completed the BSAS(c) at baseline, three months, and six months after surgery.


METHODS
Prevalence, severity, and level of distress of sensations in patients who had breast cancer surgery.


RESULTS
Sensations were less prevalent, severe, and distressing following SLNB compared with axillary lymph node dissection at all three time points. Tenderness and soreness remained highly prevalent following SLNB at the three time points. Tenderness, soreness, tightness, and numbness were among the most severe and distressing symptoms in both groups. The BSAS(c) demonstrated good reliability and validity.


CONCLUSIONS
Overall prevalence, severity, and level of distress were lower following SLNB compared with axillary lymph node dissection at baseline, three months, and six months after surgery. Certain sensations remained prevalent, severe, and distressing in both groups. The BSAS(c) is a reliable and valid instrument.


CONCLUSIONS
Nurses should be familiar with prevalent sensations patients experience after SLNB and axillary lymph node dissection so they can provide education and support.
Baron
Roberta H
RH
Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA. baronr@mskcc.org
Fey
Jane V
JV
Raboy
Sara
S
Thaler
Howard T
HT
Borgen
Patrick I
PI
Temple
Larissa K F
LK
Van Zee
Kimberly J
KJ
D001007:Anxiety / Q000209:etiology*; D001365:Axilla; D001706:Biopsy; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000451:nursing / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008197:Lymph Node Excision / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000451:nursing; D008207:Lymphatic Metastasis; D008209:Lymphedema / Q000209:etiology; D024802:Nurse's Role; D010146:Pain / Q000209:etiology*; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D011446:Prospective Studies; D021701:Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000451:nursing; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires