title: Sensory changes after treatment of operable breast cancer.
abstract: A study has been conducted to compare the nature and severity of post-operative sensory changes (sensory loss, paraesthesiae, and pain) among patients with breast cancer treated by either modified radical mastectomy or a conservative procedure (tumourectomy, axillary clearance, iridium implant, and external radiotherapy). There was a similar incidence of post-operative sensory loss in the two groups, reported by 82% of the mastectomy group and 77% of the iridium group, and an equivalent rate of improvement (76 and 80% respectively). Post-operative paraesthesiae occurred in 61% of the mastectomy group and 63% of the iridium group; maximum severity of paraesthesiae was similar as was the percentage improving. Among the mastectomy group 55% reported phantom breast sensation and 61% of the iridium group had post-operative breast pain. Improvement occurred in 58% of those with breast pain. These findings may have implications for the counseling of patients with breast cancer who are going to be treated by certain conservative procedures.
mesh_terms: D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008408:Mastectomy; D008875:Middle Aged; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000209:etiology; D010292:Paresthesia / Q000209:etiology*; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D012677:Sensation; D013997:Time Factors