Teresa Sze Mun Lee1, Karl W Baumgart. 1. Breast Cancer Research Group, University of Sydney and a lymphoedema physiotherapist, Royal North Shore Hospital, New South Wales, Australia. tsmlee@nsccahs.health.nsw.gov.au
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Vaccinations have been linked to lymphoedema but there is no quality scientific evidence to support or refute a causative relationship. OBJECTIVE: We report on a case of a breast cancer patient who developed lymphoedema following vaccination in her 'at risk' arm. She had previously undergone mastectomy and axillary clearance but did not have lymphoedema before the vaccinations. DISCUSSION: The risk of lymphoedema is still present for many years following breast surgery. Patients who are at risk of lymphoedema should be warned to report persistent swelling after vaccination so that they can be referred early for physiotherapy intervention if required.
BACKGROUND: Vaccinations have been linked to lymphoedema but there is no quality scientific evidence to support or refute a causative relationship. OBJECTIVE: We report on a case of a breast cancerpatient who developed lymphoedema following vaccination in her 'at risk' arm. She had previously undergone mastectomy and axillary clearance but did not have lymphoedema before the vaccinations. DISCUSSION: The risk of lymphoedema is still present for many years following breast surgery. Patients who are at risk of lymphoedema should be warned to report persistent swelling after vaccination so that they can be referred early for physiotherapy intervention if required.
Authors: Robin J Bell; Penelope J Robinson; Raychel Barallon; Pamela Fradkin; Max Schwarz; Susan R Davis Journal: Support Care Cancer Date: 2013-02-24 Impact factor: 3.603