In contrast to arm morbidity which is thoroughly described in literature, only a few studies investigated breast morbidity after breast cancer treatment. Currently, there is no consensus on the definition of breast edema and on standardized assessment criteria. Common criteria found in literature are an increased volume of the breast, peau d’orange, heaviness of the breast, redness of the skin, breast pain, skin thickening, hyperpigmented skin pores and a positive pitting sign.
Conditions
Interventions
Patients who underwent breast-conserving surgery in one of the hospitals of the Iridium network, report in the St. Augustinus Hospital to the Radiotherapy Department for a simulation. Patients are inf
Sponsors
Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, department of rehabilitation sciences and physiotherapy, MOVANT research group, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
Eligibility
Inclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria: - Women - Unilateral breast-conserving surgery - Radiotherapy - Between 18 and 65 years old
Exclusion criteria
Exclusion criteria: - Only mammotome biopsies - Other disorders which can cause breast edema - Plastic surgery such as mammoplasty in patients with macromastia - Pregnany - Lack of understanding of the Dutch language
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| The breast edema questionnaire consists of 2 parts. In the first part, symptoms of breast edema such as described in literature are scored on a scale from 0 to 10: pain, heaviness, swelling, tensed skin, redness, pitting sign, enlarged skin pores and hardness. Taking into account the ICF (International Classification of Functioning, disabilities and health), a number of activities and participations are scored on a scale from 0 to 10. This is part 2 of the questionnaire. In both parts a higher score means more problems related to breast edema. | — |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| The McGill Quality of Life Questionnaire is used to assess the impact of breast edema on the quality of life. | — |
Contacts
Public ContactNick Gebruers
University of Antwerp Universiteitsplein 1
Outcome results
None listed