Abstract
Background. Axillary web syndrome (AWS) can develop following breast cancer surgery and presents as a tight band of tissue in the axilla with shoulder abduction. Objective. The objectives were to determine the prevalence and natural history of AWS and the association between AWS and function, range of motion, pain, lymphedema, and body mass index (BMI). Design. This study was a longitudinal prospective cohort study utilizing a repeated measures design. Methods. Axillary web syndrome, function, shoulder range of motion, pain, and lymphedema (using circumference, bioimpedance spectroscopy, tissue dielectric constant) were assessed in women at 2, 4, and 12 weeks and 18 months following breast cancer surgery. Prevalence of AWS and the association with the measured outcomes were analyzed. Results. Thirty-six women agreed to participate in the study. The cumulative prevalence of AWS was 50% (18/36) at 18 months following breast cancer surgery. AWS was identified as a risk factor for reduced function. Women with AWS had statistically reduced range of motion, lower BMI, and higher number of lymph nodes removed compared to the non- AWS group. Forty-one percent (13/32) of women had AWS at 18 months. AWS reoccurred in 6 women following resolution, and a new case developed beyond the early postoperative period. The overall prevalence of physical impairments ranged from 66% to 97% within the first 18 months following surgery regardless of AWS. Limitations. Limitations include a small sample size and potential treatment effect. Conclusion. AWS occurs in approximately 50% of women following breast cancer surgery. It can persist for 18 months and potentially longer, develop beyond the early postoperative time period, and reoccur after resolution. Clinicians need to be aware of the chronicity of AWS and its association with reduced range of motion and function.
| Original language | English (US) |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 518-527 |
| Number of pages | 10 |
| Journal | Physical therapy |
| Volume | 98 |
| Issue number | 6 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - Jun 1 2018 |
Bibliographical note
Funding Information:This project was supported in part by the University of Minnesota Founda tion’s Doctoral Dissertation Fellowship (ref. no. 4072-9201-11) and the National Cancer Institute (ref. no. P30 CA77598), utilizing the Masonic Cancer Center and University of Minnesota share resources. The funders played no role in conducting this study.
Funding Information:
The authors thank Mackenzie Madsen for her volunteer time in the lab and give a very special thanks to the generous patients who participated in the study.This project was supported in part by the University of Minnesota Foundation's Doctoral Dissertation Fellowship (ref. no. 4072-9201-11) and the National Cancer Institute (ref. no. P30 CA77598), utilizing the Masonic Cancer Center and University of Minnesota share resources and, as part of the Women's Health Scholar, the Powell Center Fund for Women's Health Advancement endowment at the University of Minnesota administrated by the University Minnesota Women's Health Research Program
Funding Information:
This project was supported in part by the University of Minnesota Foundation’s Doctoral Dissertation Fellowship (ref. no. 4072-9201-11) and the National Cancer Institute (ref. no. P30 CA77598), utilizing the Masonic Cancer Center and University of Minnesota share resources and, as part of the Women’s Health Scholar, the Powell Center Fund for Women’s Health Advancement endowment at the University of Minnesota administrated by the University Minnesota Women’s Health Research Program.
Publisher Copyright:
© 2018 American Physical Therapy Association.
