to evaluate the quality of life in patients with lymphedema secondary to the surgical treatment of breast cancer and how much this is related to the functional limitations caused by this complication. Method:
Title: Quality of life in patients with lymphedema submitted to surgical treatment for breast cancer
attended at the Physiotherapy ambulatory of a Reference Hospital of the Federal District; Authors:
Kalléria W.C. Borges, Laércio L. Luz; Institution: Instituto Hospital de Base do Distrito Federal;
Introduction: Lymphedema, secondary to surgical treatment of breast cancer, can result in functional,
social and emotional complications that limit the patient’s ability to lead a normal life. The impact on the
patient’s life can be measured through the application of questionnaires that evaluate the quality of life.
Objective: to evaluate the quality of life in patients with lymphedema secondary to the surgical treatment
of breast cancer and how much this is related to the functional limitations caused by this complication.
Method: descriptive cross-sectional study in patients with lymphedema secondary to surgical treatment
for breast cancer, attended at the physiotherapy ambulatory of a reference hospital of the Federal District,
from November 2017 to January 2018. DASH instruments were used to evaluate the functionality and
EORTC QLQ-C30/BR23 for quality of life assessment. Results: Fifty-one women, with a mean age of 54
years, were included and 76.5% of them presented some type of pain. The mean total functional score
was 44.37 ± 20.08. The functional quality of life scales with the best and worst result were social
functioning and sexual functioning, respectively. The scales of symptoms with the worst outcomes were
insomnia, financial distress, pain and symptoms in the arm. The relationship between the existence of
symptoms and low functionality was identified. Conclusion: Symptoms caused by lymphedema
secondary to the treatment of breast cancer significantly affect quality of life and functional capacity,
including physical, social and emotional aspects.
Key words: breast cancer, lymphedema, quality of life.