Post Mastectomy Pain Syndrome (Phantom Breast Pain)
After surgery to the breast especially mastectomy, it is common to have the feeling of pain around the chest wall area. This has been linked to the damage nerves around the chest wall and arm-pit during breast surgery and axillary surgery. It can also happen for breast lumpectomy.
Common presenting symptoms are:
- Pain and discomfort
- Itching
- Pins and needles, tingling sensation
- Burning or throbbing feeling.
- Pressure or pulling tightness
It is important to be aware these symptoms and it can be managed accordingly with
- Analgesia
- Physiotherapy
- Gentle Massage
Usually it is more significant during initial 2 months after surgery and wound healing and contraction takes place.
The discomfort will subside after few months.
Breast image showing nerves distribution circumferentially therefore any incision to the breast during surgery will be temporarily affected.
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