Post-axillary dissection pain in breast cancer due to a lesion of the intercostobrachial nerve.
Seven patients with breast carcinoma and post-axillary dissection pain are described. They complained about pain in the axilla, inner side of the upper arm and/or shoulder. All had undergone a partial or radical breast amputation including an axillary lymph node dissection. On neurological examination all had evidence of a lesion of the intercostobrachial nerve. The pain was not associated with lymphedema and only one patient had undergone radiotherapy to the axillary and supraclavicular area. Post-axillary dissection pain is probably a more appropriate name than the usual post-mastectomy pain for this syndrome. During the dissection, the intercostobrachial nerve is often lesioned, which may give rise to neuropathic pain of that nerve.
Department of Neurology, Dr. Daniel den Hoed Cancer Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
C J
CJ
Vecht
H J
HJ
Van de Brand
O J
OJ
Wajer
D000328:Adult; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D002277:Carcinoma / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007367:Intercostal Nerves / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D008408:Mastectomy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000503:physiopathology*; D013900:Thoracic Nerves / Q000601:surgery*