Breast sensibility in a breast cancer population - Reference data for clinical practice

Sensibility is an important outcome after oncologic breast surgery, yet normative data are lacking. This study describes normative breast sensibility in a breast cancer population.

In this observational study, breast cancer patients were prospectively included between 2016 and 2022, and underwent tactile and thermal sensibility assessment. Breasts were categorized as healthy (non-operated), mastectomy, implant reconstruction, lumpectomy, reduction and augmentation.

287 patients (572 breasts) were included. In healthy breasts, tactile sensibility ranged 2.37-2.60 (Semmes-Weinstein Monofilament values), or 1.33-2.02 g/mm² (Pressure Specified Sensory Device), and thermal sensibility ranged 36.51-36.57 °C (warm) and 27.75-27.77 °C (cold). In all operated breasts except after augmentation, sensibility was significantly impaired. Protective sensation was more often diminished after mastectomy or implant reconstruction.

This study provides normative values for breast sensibility in a breast cancer population. It varies by surgical history and is impaired to a clinically relevant extent after a mastectomy or implant reconstruction. Our results provide reference values for tactile and thermal sensibility. This facilitates preoperative evaluation, patient education, and interpretation of postoperative results.