Breast cancer surgery can be a painful experience for patients, with post-surgery pain being a commonplace occurrence. Persistent pain after mastectomy, also known as postmastectomy pain syndrome (PMPS), is a type of chronic pain that is typically associated with nerve fiber injury. PMPS is a common occurrence in post-mastectomy patients and can persist for more than three months after surgery. Management of persistent pain is critical for a patient’s overall well-being, as it can have a detrimental effect on their mood, sleep, and quality of life.
PMPS can manifest as several types of pain, including burning, tingling, shooting, stinging, or stabbing pain. Neuropathic medications, antidepressants, selective serotonin, physiotherapy, and psychological support are medication management options for PMPS. Neuromas, shoulder pain or back and shoulder area, and phantom pain are some other types of pain patients may experience.
Adopting a multidisciplinary approach to address psychological and functional disruptions, along with pain control, is essential. Physiotherapy, psychological support, and nerve blocks, and trigger point injections are some of the treatment options available to patients.
Coping with breast cancer surgery is difficult, both physically and mentally. With advancements in chronic pain management options, patients can relieve pain to some extent. If you are experiencing PMPS after breast cancer surgery, it is best to seek advice from a pain management physician to guide you regarding treatment alternatives. Managing pain is critical for patients during breast cancer surgery, and with proper care and treatment, patients can recover and lead a healthy life.
