Lymphovenous Bypass Procedure Before Underarm Lymph Node Surgery in Preventing Lymphedema in Patients With Inflammatory or Locally Advanced Non-inflammatory Breast Cancer or Melanoma

Summary

This pilot trial studies whether a procedure called lymphovenous bypass would prevent lymphedema (arm swelling) in patients with inflammatory breast cancer or non-inflammatory breast cancer that has spread to nearby tissues or lymph nodes or melanoma. The lymphovenous bypass procedure creates a path for lymphatic fluid to flow away from the arms. It is usually done after a diagnosis of lymphedema. In this study, giving lymphovenous bypass before underarm lymph node surgery may help prevent lymphedema from forming.

Eligibility

Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients greater than or equal to 18 years of age.
* Patients willing to participate.
* Patients able to complete informed consent.
* Patients will be eligible for inclusion if they fall into one for two groups:

  * Patients with inflammatory breast cancer, and those with locally advanced non-inflammatory breast cancer that are undergoing ALND and are anticipated to receive radiation therapy
  * Or: Patients with a diagnosis of melanoma (including unknown primary) that will undergo ALND will also be eligible for inclusion in the study as a comparator group.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients taking anticoagulants within 7 days prior to surgery.
* Patients that are known to be pregnant at the time of surgery.
* Patients are available for follow-up less than 18 months or do not undergo measurements within the scheduled period.
* Patients with body mass index (BMI) greater than 50.0.

Conditions6

Locations1 site

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