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Introduction: Axillary web syndrome (AWS) is a common complication in the immediate postoperative period in women after breast cancer surgery. The symptoms are defined as the presence of cords, pain, and limited shoulder range of motion (ROM). Pathophysiology has been described as lymphatic thrombosis, which could be a risk factor for the development of lymphedema. Considered by some to be self-limiting, it has been described as a chronic complication, persisting for years after initial onset. Objective: To determine the prevalence of AWS in a longitudinal cohort of women in a late follow-up after breast cancer surgery and to assess shoulder ROM, presence of pain, permanence of cords and correlation with lymphedema. Methods: A longitudinal cohort study was carried out at the Division of Breast Cancer Disease of the Universidade Federal de São Paulo. Twenty-five women were followed up and reassessed regarding the permanence of cords, pain, ROM, and presence of lymphedema. Results: Of the 25 patients analyzed, 64% (16 patients) showed prevalence of AWS. On recall, all cords were palpable and 87.5% were in the axilla. There was no correlation between AWS and lymphedema. Conclusions: AWS is an important complication in the immediate postoperative period, that persists for several years, without restrictions on function, pain or shoulder ROM limitations. We must therefore consider it as a complication that becomes chronic but has no impact on quality of life. The correlation with lymphedema was not significant in our study. Key words: breast neoplasms, axillary web syndrome, physical exercise, articular range of motion, pain, lymphedema. Citation Format: Patricia V. Figueira, Cinira Haddad, Samantha K. Lopes de Almeida Rizzi, Amanda Estevao, Simone Elias, Gil Facina, Afonso Nazário. Lymphedema, shoulder range of motion, pain, and presence of cords in patients undergoing breast cancer treatment with axillary web syndrome: Late follow-up. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2022 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2022 Dec 6-10; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(5 Suppl):Abstract nr P4-07-61. |
