Breast Cancer Surgery: Is it a Problem for the Upper Extremity?

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine shoulder pain, range of motion (ROM), shoulder muscle strength (SMS), handgrip strength (HS), and the presence of lymphedema in patients who had undergone breast cancer surgery. Materials and Methods: Ninety-three females operated unilaterally for breast cancer were included in the study. Shoulder pain intensity of the operated side (rest and movement) was evaluated by a visual analogue scale. Active shoulder ROM was measured using a goniometer, SMS and HS was measured by a hand dynamometer. The presence of lymphedema was assessed by arm-forearm circumference measurements. Results: Shoulder pain during movement (76.3%) and decreased HS (59%) were the most common upper extremity problems. Other problems were shoulder pain during rest (41.9%), limited shoulder abduction (46.2%) and flexion (45.1%), decreased SMS in abduction (51.6%) and flexion (38.8%), the presence of lymphedema in the arm (23.7%) and forearm (11.9%), respectively. Additionally, shoulder ROM, SMS, and HS in the operated side were significantly lower than in the nonoperated side (p<0.05). Conclusion: After breast cancer surgery, reduced shoulder ROM, SMS, and HS and the presence of pain and lymphedema are important upper extremity musculoskeletal problems, thus, these parameters should be considered in the rehabilitation of these patients.