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Long-term phantom breast syndrome after mastectomy.
K Krøner1, U B Knudsen, L Lundby
1Danish Pain Research Center, University of Aarhus.
The Clinical Journal of Pain
|December 1, 1992
Summary
Phantom breast syndrome, including phantom pain, is common after mastectomy. Persistent phantom pain and scar pain are more frequent than often anticipated, impacting women long-term.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pain Management
- Surgical Outcomes
Background:
- Phantom breast syndrome (PBS) is a known post-mastectomy phenomenon.
- The long-term incidence, clinical presentation, and temporal progression of PBS remain incompletely understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To prospectively evaluate the incidence, clinical picture, and 6-year temporal course of phantom breast syndrome following mastectomy.
Main Methods:
- A prospective study interviewed 120 women 3 weeks post-mastectomy using a standard questionnaire.
- Follow-up interviews were conducted at 1 year (n=110) and 6 years (n=69).
- Data analyzed incidence, characteristics, and temporal trends of phantom sensations and scar pain.
Main Results:
- Incidence of phantom pain was 13.3% at 3 weeks, 12.7% at 1 year, and 17.4% at 6 years.
- Non-painful phantom sensations occurred in 15.0% (3 weeks), 11.8% (1 year), and 11.8% (6 years).
- Preoperative pain correlated with PBS, but age, radiotherapy, or other sequelae did not. Scar pain persisted in 30.9% at 6 years.
Conclusions:
- The incidence of phantom breast phenomena aligns with previous reports.
- Persistent phantom pain and scar pain after mastectomy are more common than generally recognized.
- Long-term follow-up is crucial for understanding the full impact of PBS.