Postmastectomy Functional Impairments

Purpose of Review This narrative review aims to offer a thorough summary of functional impairments commonly encountered by breast cancer survivors following mastectomy. Its objective is to discuss the factors influencing these impairments and explore diverse strategies for managing them. Recent Find...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Current oncology reports 2023-12, Vol.25 (12), p.1445-1453
Main Authors: Marco, Eden, Trépanier, Gabrielle, Chang, Eugene, Mauti, Emma, Jones, Jennifer M., Zhong, Toni
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Age
Breast cancer
Breast Neoplasms - etiology
Breast Neoplasms - surgery
Cancer therapies
Chronic pain
Exercise
Female
Humans
Joint diseases
Lymphatic system
Lymphedema
Lymphedema - surgery
Lymphedema - therapy
Mammaplasty
Mastectomy
Mastectomy - adverse effects
Medicine
Medicine & Public Health
Oncology
Pain
Physical therapy
Radiation
Reconstructive surgery
Rehabilitation
Review
Risk factors
Shoulder
Surgery
Survivors
Topical Collection on Palliative Medicine
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Summary:Purpose of Review This narrative review aims to offer a thorough summary of functional impairments commonly encountered by breast cancer survivors following mastectomy. Its objective is to discuss the factors influencing these impairments and explore diverse strategies for managing them. Recent Findings Postmastectomy functional impairments can be grouped into three categories: neuromuscular, musculoskeletal, and lymphovascular. Neuromuscular issues include postmastectomy pain syndrome (PMPS) and phantom breast syndrome (PBS). Musculoskeletal problems encompass myofascial pain syndrome and adhesive capsulitis. Lymphovascular dysfunctions include lymphedema and axillary web syndrome (AWS). Factors such as age, surgical techniques, and adjuvant therapies influence the development of these functional impairments. Summary Managing functional impairments requires a comprehensive approach involving physical therapy, pharmacologic therapy, exercise, and surgical treatment when indicated. It is important to identify the risk factors associated with these conditions to tailor interventions accordingly. The impact of breast reconstruction on these impairments remains uncertain, with mixed results reported in the literature.
ISSN:1523-3790
1534-6269
DOI:10.1007/s11912-023-01474-6