The Influence of Arm Swelling Duration on Shoulder Pathology in Breast Cancer Patients with Lymphedema

PURPOSE: To evaluate the pathological effect of the duration of arm swelling on the shoulder pathology in patients with breast cancer-related lymphedema. METHODS: Forty seven breast cancer patients with unilateral arm lymphedema were assessed. The duration of the arm swelling and shoulder pain were recorded. Ultrasound examination of the shoulder joint was performed in all patients to detect any lesions. RESULTS: Abnormalities were detected by ultrasound in 41/47 (87.2%) study participants. Subacromial subdeltoid bursal thickening was found in 26/47 (55.3%) participants, distension of the biceps brachii tendon sheath was found in 14/47 (29.8%) and a supraspinatus tendon tear was found in 13/47 (27.7%). Patients with a supraspinatus tendon tear were found to have a significantly longer duration of lymphedema (1310 days vs. 398 days, p = 0.032). CONCLUSIONS: The duration of arm lymphedema has a progressive pathological effect on rotator cuff. Clinicians should adopt an early management approach of shoulder pain in patients with breast cancer-related lymphedema.