Clinical Pain

Korean Association of Pain Medicine (대한임상통증학회)
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Rapid Lymphedema Progression in Breast Cancer Patient with Previous Forearm Fracture

전완 골절 과거력이 있던 유방암 환자에서 비전형적 림프부종 발생 1례

  • Son, Sungwook (Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Ulsan University Hospital, University of Ulsan College of Medicine) ;
  • Lee, Sangcheol (Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Ulsan University Hospital, University of Ulsan College of Medicine) ;
  • Kim, Chung Reen (Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Ulsan University Hospital, University of Ulsan College of Medicine)
  • 손성욱 (울산대학교 의과대학 울산대학교병원 재활의학과) ;
  • 이상철 (울산대학교 의과대학 울산대학교병원 재활의학과) ;
  • 김충린 (울산대학교 의과대학 울산대학교병원 재활의학과)
  • Received : 2020.08.13
  • Accepted : 2020.09.21
  • Published : 2020.12.31
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Abstract

Fracture is uncommon cause of lymphedema. The mechanism of lymphedema progression is still unknown, but disruption of the lymphatic system during and after fracture might be involved. In contrast, breast cancer surgery is a common cause of lymphedema and is usually caused by the removal of axillary lymph nodes. Sentinel node biopsy (SNB) has been adopted in early breast cancer to reduce the risk of lymphedema. Thus, the incidence of lymphedema in SNB was lowered. However, less than 10% of SNB patients are still diagnosed with lymphedema, but it is known that it took years to diagnose. Recently, we encountered atypical lymphedema occurred after breast cancer surgery with SNB. Symptoms started earlier than usual and were more severe. Interestingly, she has a history of a proximal radial fracture on the same side of SNB. We thought there could be a relationship between the acceleration of breast cancer-related lymphedema and fracture.

Keywords

References

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