Body image and sexual function evaluation in women with lymphedema after surgery of breast neoplasm

Abstract

Breast neoplasm treatment may lead to consequences such as decrease of shoulder and elbow range of motion, pain, muscular weakness, abnormal sensitive and lymphedema. Besides interfering on daily activities, lymphedema can also change body image and female sexual function, affecting women’s quality of life. This study aimed to evaluate body image and sexual function on women after surgery treatment of breast neoplasm that developed to lymphedema. Forty women were included in the study. The patients were recruited at Mastology Ambulatory of Universidade Federal de São Paulo. They were separated into 2 groups: control group (n=20), who did not develop lymphedema, and lymphedema group (n=20). All patients signed the Informed Consent. Evaluation form, questionnaires of body image “How do I relate with my body” and of sexual function, assessed by Female Sexual Function Index, were applied to all women involved. Obesity, sedentary lifestyle and radiotherapy were risk factors for lymphedema development. Body image was not influenced by lymphedema, but was related to sexual function, presenting directly proportional relation. Breast neoplasm influenced body image and female sexual function. Thus, in addition to anatomic changes, breast neoplasm promotes biologic, psychology and social changes, requiring a multidisciplinary team to treat women with this disease.