New Measurement of Breast-Cancer Related Lymphedem

A recent study looks at more affective and reliable measurements of Lymphedema's that may help breast-cancer survivors put fears to rest.

Breast-cancer related Lympedema's-a condition that affects the lymphatic system and cause psychological distress and physical challenges for patients, can often be difficult for doctors to detect early on and may create fear from unknown tests regarding the issue.

Researchers from the Chronic Disease Management at the New York University College of Nursing (NYUCN) discussed the issue via Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA) ratios in order to assess Lymphedemas. As low frequency electronic current cannot travel through membranes. As such, researchers provided a direct measure of lymph fluid outside the cells that allows a more accurate assessment of lymphedema using a Index called L-Dex ratio.

 "To lessen breast cancer survivors' worry about lymphedema development, the BIA may have a role in clinical practice by adding confidence in the detection of arm lymphedema among breast cancer survivors," Dr. Fu said, via a press release, "even when pre-surgical BIA baseline measures are not available."

The objective of the study was to examine the reliability, sensitivity, and specificity of cross-sectional assessment of BIA in detecting lymphedema in a large metropolitan clinical setting.

The study notes that measuring lymphedema can be particularly challenging for medical officials as most methods cannot distinguish between bone and soft tissues. Fortunately, BIA is both time-efficient and an easier way to interpret clinical data.

The study examined 250 women, including healthy female adults, breast cancer survivors with lymphedema and those at risk for lymphedema. Findings showed that survivors with lymphedema had significantly higher L-Dex rations.

 "Our study also demonstrated that using a more sensitive L-Dex cutoff point, this allowed for BIA to catch 34% of the usually missed lymphedema cases," said Dr. Fu, via the release. "This allows for earlier treatment, which naturally leads to better outcomes for at-risk patients."

 "Giving that all the women who are treated for breast cancer are at a life-time risk for lymphedema, using assessment methods that can accurately identify true lymphedema cases among at-risk breast cancer survivors is of the ultimate importance for clinical practice," Dr. Fu concluded, via the release.

More information regarding the study can be found via the journal Lymphology.