Frequency Ratio of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in Women with Breast Cancer Treated with Lymphedema in Tabriz Medical Education Centers; 2018-2019

Lymphedema due to breast cancer treatment has a wide range of complications, including carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). This syndrome causes disability for breast cancer survivors, so knowing its prevalence is essential for future action. This study was performed with aim to evaluate the frequency ratio of carpal tunnel syndrome in women with breast cancer treated with lymphedema.

This descriptive cross-sectional study was performed on 160 breast cancer survivors with lymphedema in Tabriz city health centers in 2018-2019. Demographic data and Boston CTS Questionnaire (CTS) were used for the purposes of the study. Data were analyzed by SPSS software (version 20) and Regression and Spearman Correlation tests. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Thirty-three (20.62%) patients had carpal tunnel syndrome. The results of Chi-square test indicated that there was a significant association between carpal tunnel syndrome and age (p= 0.009), lymphedema (p= 0.001), history of radiotherapy (p= 0.001), history of surgery (0.019), history of lymph node removal (p= 0.03) and history of diabetes mellitus (p= 0.04).

The incidence of carpal tunnel syndrome in the present study was 20.62% in women with breast cancer treated with lymphedema. Identifying the risk factors for this syndrome may be the basis for preventive and controlling measures in these patients.