Chronic pain often follows breast cancer surgery

By April Clarkson, | Health | 0 Comments

Around 50% of women experience chronic pain after they have had a breast operation. The chronic pain is not just pain – it often involves sensory disturbances like numbness or a burning feeling. Modern breast cancer surgery may be accompanied by axillary node dissection, radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy. It may also be done in such a way as to conserve the breast by reconstruction after mastectomy. It is important to get an idea of how these developments are affecting the risk of chronic pain after breast cancer surgery.

Researchers in Denmark report upon a study of chronic pain two to three years after surgery to remove one breast in a group of over 3,000 women. They found that 47% reported some pain and, of these, 52% found their chronic pain was moderate to severe. And 76% of women with severe chronic pain were troubled by it on a daily basis. The breast was the most usual location of the chronic pain, followed by the armpit, arm and side. Other areas of the body were also affected by chronic pain in 40% of the women.

Younger women and those having axillary node dissection were more likely to experience chronic pain after breast cancer surgery. Radiotherapy, but not chemotherapy, was also associated with an increased risk of chronic pain. Mastectomy without breast-conserving surgery was also associated with higher risk of chronic pain.

The cause of chronic pain can usually be determined by diagnostic imaging which will reveal whether a nerve has been damaged, for example. This may help suggest a solution to relieve the chronic pain. Highlighting, and updating the issue of chronic pain after breast cancer surgery is important. Women at risk can be identified and offered help and prevention for chronic pain early. Breast cancer surgery may be life-saving, but women should not have to suffer unnecessarily with chronic pain afterwards.