Radical mastectomy and neuropathy complications

Chronic pain following surgical procedures for breast cancer was once thought to be rare. The results of recentstudies, however, suggest that the incidence of chronic pain following breast cancer surgery may be over 50%.Neuropathic pain is a common symptom of post-mastectomy pain syndrome (PMPS) or post-radiation fibrosissyndrome. Post-operative sensations reported by patients can be transient or long-lasting, and can include pain,phantom sensations, and sensory loss or changes. Chronic pain can be a source of considerable disability andpsychological distress. In patients undergoing diagnostic studies, surgical procedures, and other treatments forbreast cancer, persisting pain is an additional burden for individuals already suffering from many psychosocialand medical stressors. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy can be additional sources of pain and related symptomsand make diagnosis difficult. Chronic neuropathic pain syndromes that are a direct consequence of breast cancersurgery. There are other neuropathic pain syndromes that occur following breast cancer surgery that are aconsequence of breast cancer and its non-surgical treatment. These syndromes, which include neuropathic paincaused by tumor recurrence and paraneoplastic processes, chemotherapy-associated neuropathy, and radiationplexitis and plexopathy.

Keywords:

Radical mastectomy , Breast cancer , Neuropathy