Women "at risk" of developing a swollen leg after the removal of lymph glands are needed for a research study aimed at assisting in early detection of this condition.
Senior Clinical Physiotherapist, Dr Robyn Box said women "at risk" were those who had recovered from treatment for gynaecological cancer or removal of a melanoma from the leg that required the removal of lymph glands from the groin or pelvic area.
Dr Box said 20 women in Queensland would be studied as part of the second phase of the research project, which initially sampled healthy women.
"Lymphoedema is an inadequacy of the lymph system which occurs when fluid and proteins are retained in the limbs and may result from an obstruction. This can cause swelling of the leg, which may over time increase and cause other problems," Dr Box said.
It is a chronic condition that can affect quality of life, causes pain and a susceptibility to infections as well as stiffness and limited mobility, and is a significant cost burden to both women affected and the health-care system.
"We know early diagnosis can help to minimise the long-term effects, so it is important that we develop good diagnostic criteria," she said.
Dr Box said 10-30 percent of women could develop lymphoedema of the leg after having lymph nodes removed during cancer surgery. Volunteers were required for a single two-hour session that included a clinical assessment of their legs to identify any symptoms associated with lymphoedema. They would also be asked to fill out a questionnaire, as well as receiving an examination and measurement of their legs by a physiotherapist.
The assessments are completed at the Physiotherapy Department, Royal Brisbane Hospital, Herston. Women wanting more information should leave their contact details on the project telephone at 07 3365 4660.
This collaborative research, by Physiotherapy Departments of the Royal Brisbane Hospital, The University of Queensland, and Monash Medical Centre, is being funded by the Commonwealth Department of Health and Ageing.
Media: For interviews contact Dr Robyn Box telephone 03 992 88597.
