Eighteen sensations after breast cancer surgery: A comparison of sentinel lymph node biopsy and axillary lymph node dissection Journal Article


Authors: Baron, R. H.; Fey, J. V.; Raboy, S. ; Thaler, H. T.; Borgen, P. I.; Temple, L. K.; Van Zee, K. J.
Article Title: Eighteen sensations after breast cancer surgery: A comparison of sentinel lymph node biopsy and axillary lymph node dissection
Abstract: PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES: To evaluate prevalence, severity, and level of distress of 18 sensations at 3-15 days (baseline), 3 months, and 6 months after breast cancer surgery; to compare sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) to SLNB with immediate or delayed axillary lymph node dissection; to evaluate the Breast Sensation Assessment Scale(c) (BSAS(c)) for reliability and validity. DESIGN: Prospective, descriptive. SETTING: Evelyn H. Lauder Ambulatory Breast Center at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York City. SAMPLE: 283 women with breast cancer; 187 had SLNB, and 96 had SLNB and axillary lymph node dissection. METHODS: Patients completed the BSAS(c) at baseline, three months, and six months after surgery. MAIN RESEARCH VARIABLES: Prevalence, severity, and level of distress of sensations in patients who had breast cancer surgery. FINDINGS: Sensations were less prevalent, severe, and distressing following SLNB compared with axillary lymph node dissection at all three time points. Tenderness and soreness remained highly prevalent following SLNB at the three time points. Tenderness, soreness, tightness, and numbness were among the most severe and distressing symptoms in both groups. The BSAS(c) demonstrated good reliability and validity. CONCLUSIONS: Overall prevalence, severity, and level of distress were lower following SLNB compared with axillary lymph node dissection at baseline, three months, and six months after surgery. Certain sensations remained prevalent, severe, and distressing in both groups. The BSAS(c) is a reliable and valid instrument. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING: Nurses should be familiar with prevalent sensations patients experience after SLNB and axillary lymph node dissection so they can provide education and support.
Keywords: comparative study; follow up; follow-up studies; lymph node metastasis; lymphatic metastasis; prospective study; lymph node excision; prospective studies; sentinel lymph node biopsy; nursing; lymphadenectomy; pain; patient education; pathology; validation study; breast neoplasms; biopsy; questionnaires; lymphedema; questionnaire; breast tumor; anxiety; axilla; nurse attitude; nurse's role; humans; human; female; article
Journal Title: Oncology Nursing Forum
Volume: 29
Issue: 4
ISSN: 0190-535X
Publisher: Oncology Nursing Society (ONS)  
Date Published: 2002-01-01
Start Page: 651
End Page: 659
Language: English
PUBMED: 12011912
PROVIDER: scopus
DOI: 10.1188/02.ONF.651-659
DOI/URL:
Notes: Export Date: 14 November 2014 -- Source: Scopus
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MSK Authors
  1. Kimberly J Van Zee
    293 Van Zee
  2. Patrick I Borgen
    253 Borgen
  3. Larissa Temple
    193 Temple
  4. Howard T Thaler
    245 Thaler
  5. Roberta H Baron
    24 Baron
  6. Jane Fey
    66 Fey
  7. Sara Hanley
    3 Hanley