Występowanie obrzęku limfatycznego u kobiet poddanych mastektomii z powodu nowotworu piersi

Ewa Mesyasz¹, Magdalena Milan¹, Jan Juzwiszyn¹, Agnieszka Maj¹, Magdalena Matuszewska^{1, 2}, Mariusz Chabowski^{1, 2}, Dariusz Janczak^{1, 2}

Summary
Introduction. Breast amputation is one of the most debilitating surgery which significantly limits physical, emotional and social functioning. Increasing the level of knowledge on consequences of mastectomy may improve outcomes in breast cancer patients.
Aim. The assessment of lymphatic edema on the occurrence of functional limitations in women after mastectomy due to breast cancer.
Material and methods. The study included 40 women after mastectomy aged from 40 to 80 years. The study was conducted based on a questionnaire created by authors which included questions about sociodemographic factors and quality of physical and emotional functioning in the social and environmental life.
Results. 63% of respondents reported no edema and in 84% of them no respiratory problems were noted; the remaining 16% had breathing difficulties. Regarding women with lymphatic edema (37%), 33% of them confirmed respiratory problems, while 67% denied. Regarding women without lymphatic edema, 37% of them reported pain. 67% of women with lymphatic edema experienced pain at the operation site. Edema occurred more often in young women before 40 years of age (75%). Limited activity in the shoulder girdle joints on the side of operation was the most common in older women above 70 years of age.
Conclusions. Women after mastectomy experience different symptoms depending of their age, which should determine varied therapeutic approach. Women below 50 years of age are more sensitive to the occurrence of pain. Physical problems prevail in older women which draws attention to the necessity of intensive nursing care especially in postoperative period. Young women often require psychological support.

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