Women with arm or leg lymphoedema and those "at risk" of developing a swollen limb after the removal of lymph glands are needed to participate in a research study aimed to assist in early detection of this condition.
University of Queensland research fellow Dr Robyn Box said women "at risk" are those who have recovered from treatment for breast or gynaecological cancer and may be prone to the development of lymphoedema (a swelling of the arm or leg).
Dr Box said about 200 women in Queensland and Victoria will be studied as part of the second phase of the research project, which initially sampled healthy women who have never been diagnosed with cancer.
"Lymphoedema is an inadequacy of the lymph system which occurs when fluid and proteins are retained in the limb. This may be due to an insufficiency in the lymphatic system (primary lymphoedema) or an obstruction in the lymphatic system (secondary lymphoedema). This results in swelling of the limb which over time may increase and can cause other problems" Dr Box said.
It is a chronic lifelong condition that may affect quality of life, may cause pain and a susceptibility to infections as well as stiffness and limited mobility, and is a significant cost burden to women affected and the heath-care system.
"There is complex pathology associated with the condition but we know early diagnosis can help to minimise the effects in the long-term so it is important that we develop good diagnostic criteria."
Dr Box said 10-30 percent of women may develop lymphoedema of the leg or arm after having lymph nodes removed during cancer surgery. Volunteers are required for a single two-hour session that includes a clinical assessment of their arm or leg to identify any symptoms associated with lymphoedema. This assessment includes a questionnaire, clinical examination and measurement of the arms or legs by a physiotherapist using a number of different methods.
Queensland volunteers will be assessed at Royal Brisbane Hospital and should leave their contact details on the voicemail service at 07 3365 4660, while Victorian volunteers will be assessed at Monash Medical Centre Morrabbin Campus and should contact 03 9928 8263.
This collaborative research by Physiotherapy Departments of The University of Queensland, Monash Medical Centre, and Royal Brisbane and Royal Women’s Hospitals is being funded by the Commonwealth Department of Health and Ageing.
Media: For more information, contact Dr Robyn Box (mobile 0418 735 637, telephone
03 9928 8263) or Jan King at UQ Communications (telephone 07 3365 1120).
