Devin J Clegg, Erica N Whiteaker, Brett J Salomon, Ashton J Brooks, John L Bell, Stefanos Boukovalas, Patricia N E Roberson, Jillian M Lloyd
Breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) is a lifelong condition that can impact the quality of life, affecting approximately 20% of breast cancer patients. Risk factors for the development of BCRL after mastectomy in rural populations have not been studied.Retrospective review of mastectomy patients from 2017 to 2021 was performed at a single institution. Statistical analysis included logistic and linear regression models.475 patients were included, and 40 (8.4%) patients were diagnosed with BCRL. Increased odds of developing BCRL were significantly associated with tumor-involved lymph nodes, radiation therapy, axillary lymphadenectomy, adjuvant chemotherapy, and endocrine therapy...
March 15, 2023: American Surgeon