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Nerve entrapments associated with postmastectomy lymphedema
Cancer
|December 1, 1979
Summary
Breast cancer mastectomy patients often experience arm symptoms due to nerve entrapments like brachial plexus entrapment and carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Lymphedema appears to play a role in developing these post-mastectomy complications.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Neurology
- Surgical Complications
Background:
- Mastectomy for breast cancer can lead to disabling arm symptoms.
- Nerve entrapments are investigated as a potential cause of these symptoms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if nerve entrapments, specifically brachial plexus entrapment and carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), contribute to arm symptoms after mastectomy.
- To explore the association between lymphedema and these nerve entrapments.
Main Methods:
- Ninety female patients who underwent mastectomy were evaluated.
- Assessment included evaluation for symptoms like edema, numbness, paresthesia, weakness, and pain.
- Prevalence of carpal tunnel syndrome and brachial plexus entrapment was compared between the operated and non-operated sides.
Main Results:
- 50% of patients had lymphedema, associated with brachial plexus entrapment and CTS.
- 28% of patients had carpal tunnel syndrome on the operated side (vs. 8% on the non-operated side).
- 28% had brachial plexus entrapment on the operated side (vs. 5% on the non-operated side).
- 12% experienced both conditions.
Conclusions:
- Brachial plexus entrapment and carpal tunnel syndrome are potential complications following mastectomy.
- Lymphedema may play a significant role in the development of these nerve entrapment syndromes post-mastectomy.