Late arm and shoulder problems after axillary therapeutic lymph node dissection in patients with melanoma.

Introduction: Lymphedema is exempted, only a few studies have dealt with the late adverse effects in melanoma patients who have undergone axillary therapeutic lymph node dissection (ATLND) for the clinical nodal disease. We evaluated the data on late arm/shoulder problems (ASPs) reported by the patients and daily life impairment after ATLND and identified the risk factors.

Material And Methods: Between 2008 and 2014, 82 patients underwent full en bloc Level I-III ATLND.