Abstract
A study has been conducted to compare the nature and severity of post-operative sensory changes (sensory loss, paraesthesiae, and pain) among patients with breast cancer treated by either modified radical mastectomy or a conservative procedure (tumourectomy, axillary clearance, iridium implant, and external radiotherapy). There was a similar incidence of post-operative sensory loss in the two groups, reported by 82% of the mastectomy group and 77% of the iridium group, and an equivalent rate of improvement (76 and 80% respectively). Post-operative paraesthesiae occurred in 61% of the mastectomy group and 63% of the iridium group; maximum severity of paraesthesiae was similar as was the percentage improving. Among the mastectomy group 55% reported phantom breast sensation and 61% of the iridium group had post-operative breast pain. Improvement occurred in 58% of those with breast pain. These findings may have implications for the counseling of patients with breast cancer who are going to be treated by certain conservative procedures.
References
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Karydas, I., Fentiman, I.S., Habib, F. et al. Sensory changes after treatment of operable breast cancer. Breast Cancer Res Tr 8, 55–59 (1986). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01805925
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01805925