Post Mastectomy Pain Syndrome (PMPS)



Post Mastectomy Pain Syndrome (PMPS) is a type of chronic neuropathic pain disorder that can occur following breast cancer procedures. It occurs particularly after operations that remove tissue in the upper outer quadrant of the breast and/or axilla which includes total mastectomy, partial mastectomy, lumpectomy and even breast reconstruction.
PMPS is caused by direct nerve injury like ischemia, compression, severance, stretching during the breast cancer operation or from subsequent formation of a traumatic neuroma or scar tissue. These can result to different types of sensory disturbances like tingling, burning, numbness. Breast cancer operations can damage brachial plexus, intercostobrachial, lateral cutaneous branch of second intercostal, long thoracic (winged scapula) and medial and lateral pectoral nerves that innervate the breast, chest wall, and ipsilateral extremity. This could impair movement or use of the affected arm, and can lead to stiffness, pain and limited shoulder rotation, a condition called frozen shoulder. The pain can also be aggravated or worsened by shoulder strain, household chores and even simple stretching like combing the hair.

Managing the symptoms of PMPS is important not only for pain relief but also to reduce the negative impact on daily actibities and quality of life. Initially the use of NSAIDs can be helpful. For pain limited to surgical scar, injections of local anesthetic or steroid can be beneficial. Sometimes more extensive pain management is required. Antidepressants such as amitriptyline, anticonvulsants such as gabapentin and opioids like oxycodone can be used to relieve neuropathic pain. Nerve block can be another option for the pain. Non medical interventions can be helpful too, which includes massage therapy, reflexology, and acupuncture. Arm and shoulder exercises is helpful when it comes to increase range of motion to prevent frozen shoulder.

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