Sexual Functions and Quality of Life in Patients Developing Lymphedema After Total Mastectomy: A Pilot Study

Background: Sexual functions in women with lymphedema secondary to breast cancer surgery have not been investigated sufficiently. This study aimed to compare patients with and without lymphedema after total mastectomy in terms of emotional state, sexual functions, and quality of life. We also investigated the factors affecting sexual functions in these patients. Methods: Married women 20-55 years of age, who presented to lymphedema polyclinic of Health Sciences University Ankara Training and Research Hospital after having undergone total mastectomy at least 1 year earlier owing to breast cancer were included. Twenty-five patients with lymphedema were assigned to the lymphedema group, and 20 without lymphedema to the control group. Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) was used to assess emotional state. We evaluated sexual functions of the participants by Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and quality of life with European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 30 (EORTC QOL-C30). Results: There was no statistically significant difference in age and body mass index between the groups (p > 0.05). The mean HADS score was 13.4 +/- 6.5 in lymphedema group and 13.4 +/- 6.0 in control group. The groups were also similar in aspect of the HADS score (p > 0.05). FSFI and global health and physical function scores of EORTC QOL-C30 were statistically significantly lower in the lymphedema group (p < 0.05). A statistically significant correlation was found between FSFI and age and time elapsed postmenopause (p < 0.05, for both). Conclusion: We evaluated sexual functions of the patients who underwent mastectomy in this study. Although the HADS score is similar in patients with and without lymphedema, both sexual functions and quality of life are adversely affected in patients who undergo mastectomy and develop lymphedema. This study is important for investigating whether lymphedema developing after total mastectomy affects sexual functions of the patients.