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Updated: Aug 11, 2026
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A Quantitative Sensory Testing Paradigm to Obtain Measures of Pain Processing in Patients Undergoing Breast Cancer Surgery
Published on: January 18, 2018
Sensory alterations after breast cancer surgery
1Breast Surgical Oncology Department, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.
Clinical Journal of Oncology Nursing
|March 3, 1998
Summary
Breast cancer surgery can cause severe sensory changes. This review covers prevalence, characteristics, and treatments for these common, distressing post-operative symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Surgical Nursing
- Patient Experience
Background:
- Breast cancer surgery frequently leads to sensory alterations.
- These changes are often severe and distressing for patients.
- Limited research exists on prevalence, characteristics, and treatments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review existing literature on sensory alterations post-breast cancer surgery.
- To discuss characteristics and treatment options.
- To highlight nursing implications for patient management.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on post-surgical sensory alterations.
- Synthesis of findings on prevalence and patient-reported outcomes.
- Analysis of current treatment strategies and nursing interventions.
Main Results:
- Sensory alterations are common and impactful after breast cancer surgery.
- Prevalence and specific characteristics require further investigation.
- Effective management strategies and nursing support are crucial.
Conclusions:
- Nurses are vital in educating and supporting patients with sensory changes.
- Further research is needed to fully understand and treat these alterations.
- Improved patient understanding and management can alleviate distress.
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