Prospective Analysis of Symptoms and Lymphedema in Patients Following Treatment for Breast Cancer

• Upper extremity changes following treatment for breast cancer [ Time Frame: 1.5 to 5 years ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]
  During and following treatment for breast cancer patients' experience a variety of changes in their upper extremities. The subject responses to the LEFT-BC questionnaire obtained at the mandated study points will be analyzed in conjunction with a arm volume measurement. This will allow for the correlation between quantifiable limb volume changes and subject documented changes in arm use and functionality and quality of life.
  
  

The method that we propose for this trial is to administer a condensed form of the Lymphedema and Breast Cancer Questionnaire (LBCQ) , Disabilities of the Arm Shoulder and Hand (DASH) and Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy- Breast quality of life instrument (FACT-B) as surveys/questionnaires within the clinic. This combined questionnaire is called the lymphedema evaluation following treatment for breast cancer (LEFT-BC). All patients who present for a baseline (pre-operative) arm measurement will be offered the opportunity to participate in this trial. At that point the purpose of the trial will be explained. Any patient that wishes to participate will be provided the questionnaires to complete and return (by mail or in person) to the study coordinator prior to surgery. During follow-up visits, questionnaires will be collected prior to perometer measurements and will be analyzed in conjunction with the measurements taken on the same day. We will utilize the questionnaires to evaluate their symptoms, functionality and quality of life (QOL). The perometer is a well-validated instrument and considered the gold standard today for quantifying volume in a limb. It is accurate to within a percent and far more accurate than circumferential measurement using a tape measure. It has been a regular part of the standard of care for MGH breast cancer patients. Patients are routinely measured at diagnosis, after surgery, after chemotherapy, after radiation, at four to six-month follow-up visits that continue for years, and anytime a patient reports with new symptoms of swelling or arm discomfort outside of these time frames.