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.
Vecht
C J
CJ
Department of Neurology, Dr. Daniel den Hoed Cancer Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
Van de Brand
H J
HJ
Wajer
O J
OJ
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*