Article

The aim of this study was to identify commonly reported symptoms in
the lower limbs among those with or at risk for developing lower limb lymphedema
(LLL). DESIGN: The authors surveyed survivors of long-term cancer using the
Pennsylvania State Cancer Registry. They inquired about demographics, cancer
treatment history, knowledge about LLL, and symptoms experienced since completing
cancer treatment. They invited all participants for an in-person clinical
assessment to better identify and characterize the symptoms associated with LLL.
RESULTS: The response rate to the study survey was 57.2%. Among the 107
participants who answered the study survey, 37 (34.5%) reported one or more
symptoms associated with LLL. Many reported a combination of symptoms that
included difficulty walking (n = 37; 100%), aching (n = 32; 86%), puffiness (n =
28; 76%), and pain (n = 27; 73%) on one side of the body since cancer treatment.
The in-person clinical assessment among a subsample of 17 participants revealed
10 participants with no evidence of LLL and 5 and 2 participants with grade 1 and
2 LLL, respectively. The in-person clinical assessment identified three cases of
previously undiagnosed LLL. CONCLUSIONS: One third of the survivors of cancer
surveyed reported experiencing new symptoms in the lower limbs since cancer
treatment. Cases of symptomatic, undiagnosed LLL may exist in the population.

Langue : ANGLAIS