NCT Number: NCT07780240
Axillary web syndrome (AWS), sometimes called "cording," is a condition that can develop after breast cancer surgery in which the lymph nodes under the arm are removed or sampled. It appears as one or more tight, painful cord-like structures running from the armpit down the inner arm. It can limit shoulder movement, cause pain, and interfere with daily activities.
It is not yet clear how often AWS occurs, when it typically appears after surgery, which patients are most likely to develop it, or whether it is related to the arm swelling (lymphedema) that some patients experience after breast cancer treatment. Most previous studies looked back at patient records rather than following patients forward in time, so the answers remain uncertain.
In this study, women who are having breast cancer surgery with either sentinel lymph node biopsy or axillary lymph node dissection will be examined before their operation and then at set times afterward: 2, 4, and 8 weeks, and 3 and 6 months. At each visit, the study doctor will examine the armpit and arm for cords, measure how far the shoulder can move, ask the patient to rate any pain, and measure the circumference of both arms to check for swelling.
The study does not change the surgery or treatment a patient receives. It adds only these examinations and measurements, which are not painful and do not require blood tests or imaging. The researchers hope the results will help identify which patients are at higher risk, so that rehabilitation can be started earlier.
Interested in participating?
Request Info18 year–80 year
Female
Observational
Bagcilar Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, BAGCILAR, Turkey (Türkiye)
Background and Rationale
Axillary web syndrome is a postoperative complication characterized by palpable, often painful fibrotic cords extending from the axilla along the upper extremity, occurring after axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) or sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) for breast cancer. It may lead to restricted shoulder range of motion, pain, functional loss, and reduced quality of life.
Reported incidence in the literature ranges from approximately 28% to 40%. However, the majority of published studies are retrospective in design, and prospective data obtained through regular, structured physical examination are limited. The risk factors for AWS and its relationship with breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) remain insufficiently defined.
A prospective cohort study using systematic postoperative follow-up and standardized measurements is therefore expected to characterize the true incidence, timing, clinical course, and risk factors of AWS more reliably.
Design and Setting
This is a prospective, observational, multicenter cohort study conducted at two general surgery departments. The study population consists of consecutive patients undergoing surgery for breast cancer with axillary staging (SLNB or ALND) at either participating center. No separate control group is included; patients who develop AWS will be compared with those who do not within the same cohort.
To ensure data consistency across centers, all assessments are performed using a predefined standardized data collection form and identical measurement methods.
Assessments
Preoperative assessment: demographic data, body mass index, TNM stage, and comorbid conditions are recorded. Shoulder range of motion is measured with a goniometer and pain intensity is assessed using a Visual Analog Scale (VAS).
Operative data: type of surgery performed, number of lymph nodes removed, operative time, and early postoperative complications are recorded.
Postoperative follow-up: patients are assessed at fixed time points (weeks 2, 4, and 8; months 3 and 6). At each visit, the presence of AWS is investigated by inspection and palpation, with the number and anatomical location of cords recorded; shoulder range of motion is measured by goniometry; pain intensity is assessed by VAS; and development of BCRL is evaluated by bilateral arm circumference measurements.
Patients diagnosed with AWS receive conservative management according to routine institutional practice, and time to resolution is recorded.
Data Handling
Data from both centers are anonymized and pooled into a common database for analysis.
Healthy volunteers accepted: No
Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.
Inclusion criteria
Exclusion criteria
Axillary staging performed as part of routine breast cancer surgical management, either as sentinel lymph node biopsy or axillary lymph node dissection. The choice of procedure is made according to standard clinical indications and is not determined by the study protocol.
Time frame: From surgery through 6 months postoperatively
Proportion of participants in whom axillary web syndrome is identified at any postoperative assessment. Diagnosis is made clinically by inspection and palpation of a visible or palpable cord extending from the axilla along the upper extremity
Time frame: From surgery through 6 months postoperatively
The postoperative assessment visit at which axillary web syndrome is first detected, among participants who develop it. Assessments occur at weeks 2, 4, and 8 and at months 3 and 6
Time frame: From surgery through 6 months postoperatively
Association between development of axillary web syndrome and age, body mass index, type of axillary surgery (sentinel lymph node biopsy versus axillary lymph node dissection), number of lymph nodes removed, adjuvant therapy received, and comorbid conditions
Time frame: Preoperatively and at weeks 2, 4, and 8 and months 3 and 6 postoperatively
Shoulder range of motion of the operated side measured in degrees by goniometry, compared between participants who develop axillary web syndrome and those who do not
Time frame: Preoperatively and at weeks 2, 4, and 8 and months 3 and 6 postoperatively
Pain intensity in the operated upper extremity rated on a Visual Analog Scale ranging from 0 to 10, where 0 indicates no pain and 10 indicates the worst imaginable pain. Higher scores indicate greater pain
Time frame: From surgery through 6 months postoperatively
Development of lymphedema assessed by bilateral upper extremity circumference measurements, and its association with the presence of axillary web syndrome
Time frame: From detection through 6 months postoperatively
Time from detection of axillary web syndrome to clinical resolution of the cord in participants receiving conservative management
Contact information is provided by the study sponsor or research team.
MEHMET OLCUM, MD
CONTACT
MERVE TOKOCIN, MD
CONTACT
Antalya City Hospital
Other
A Prospective Multicenter Cohort Study on the Incidence, Risk Factors, and Postoperative Functional Outcomes of Axillary Web Syndrome After Breast Cancer Surgery
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