Vaccines and risk of lymphoedema--a case report of a breast cancer patient.
BACKGROUND
Vaccinations have been linked to lymphoedema but there is no quality scientific evidence to support or refute a causative relationship.


OBJECTIVE
We report on a case of a breast cancer patient who developed lymphoedema following vaccination in her 'at risk' arm. She had previously undergone mastectomy and axillary clearance but did not have lymphoedema before the vaccinations.


CONCLUSIONS
The risk of lymphoedema is still present for many years following breast surgery. Patients who are at risk of lymphoedema should be warned to report persistent swelling after vaccination so that they can be referred early for physiotherapy intervention if required.
Breast Cancer Research Group, University of Sydney and a lymphoedema physiotherapist, Royal North Shore Hospital, New South Wales, Australia. tsmlee@nsccahs.health.nsw.gov.au
Teresa Sze Mun
TS
Lee
Karl W
KW
Baumgart
D000368:Aged; D001315:Australia; D001943:Breast Neoplasms; D015721:Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis Vaccine / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008209:Lymphedema / Q000139:chemically induced*; D014611:Vaccination / Q000009:adverse effects
C505143:Boostrix; D015721:Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis Vaccine