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Observational Study
. 2019 May;98(19):e15524.
doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000015524.

Effect of breast cancer surgery on chest tightness and upper limb dysfunction

Chung Ho Lee  1 , Seong Yun Chung  1 , Woo Young Kim  2 , Seung Nam Yang  1
Affiliations
Observational Study

Effect of breast cancer surgery on chest tightness and upper limb dysfunction

Chung Ho Lee et al. Medicine (Baltimore). 2019 May.

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the possible changes in anterior chest tightness after breast cancer surgery. We also try to investigate whether anterior chest tightness is associated with upper-limb dysfunction after breast cancer surgery. Eighty-three women who underwent breast cancer surgery were evaluated before and 2 weeks, 3 months, and 9 months after surgery. Anterior chest tightness was measured using the length of the pectoralis minor muscle through 2 methods (length from the coracoid process to the fourth rib and linear distance from the table to the posterior acromion with supine position). Shoulder range of motion and the K-DASH (Korean version of Disability Arm and Shoulder Questionnaire) score were measured to quantify functional performance of upper limb. Anterior chest tightness of patients with breast cancer significantly increased after surgery. Upper limb dysfunction was observed such as reduced shoulder range-of-motion and increased K-DASH score over time. Increase in chest tightness was correlated with shoulder range-of-motion reduction. Chest tightness was not correlated with K-DASH score directly. However, shoulder range-of-motion reduction was significantly correlated with K-DASH score. Chest tightness and upper limb dysfunction increased in breast cancer survivor. Increase in chest tightness after surgery is associated with upper limb dysfunction and careful attention is required.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors have no conflicts of interest to disclose.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Measurement of pectoralis minor muscle length, the length from the coracoid process to the anterior inferior edge of the fourth rib 1-finger apart from lateral to the sternum with vernier calliper.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Measurement of pectoralis minor muscle length, the linear distance from the table to the posterior acromion in supine position.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Longitudinal changes of pectoralis minor length. A, The length from the coracoid process to the anterior inferior edge of the fourth rib 1-finger apart from lateral to the sternum. B, Distance from the table to the posterior acromion. Values are estimated mean and standard error (cm).
Figure 4
Figure 4
Longitudinal changes of Korean version of Disability Arm and Shoulder Questionnaire. Values are estimated mean and standard error.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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