Post Breast Therapy Pain Syndrome

PBTPS remains an underreported-yet often debilitating-consequence of breast cancer therapy. This condition is estimated to affect 10 to 30% of women who have had breast cancer surgery. Because PBTPS is not well understood by many physicians, it is frequently not recognized as an issue that needs to be addressed.

PBTPS can be a side effect from anyone of the following, or a combination of: surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, hormonal therapy, and/or lymphedema.

In post-surgery follow-up visits, patients may describe some early postoperative pain, but often PBTPS does not manifest as an ongoing chronic problem until at least 30-90 days after surgery.

Post Breast Therapy Pain Syndrome is a complex constellation of symptoms, which may include:

• Increased pain/stiffness with movement, leading to clinically significant arm and shoulder restrictions of motion
• Painful/ tight scar tissue
• Altered sensations (i.e. numbness, tingling, itching) that increase with activity
• Discomfort that interferes with active daily living, sleep and impairs overall quality of life
• Lymphedema, a potential complication of axillary dissection, may also further contribute to postoperative pain syndromes.

Lymphedema

Lymphedema is a chronic, debilitating condition in which excess fluid, called lymph, collects in tissues and causes swelling. Lymphedema (edema due to lymphatic fluid) frequently occurs in the arm after treatment for breast cancer. This often happens after lymph vessels or lymph nodes in the axilla (armpit) are removed by surgery or damaged by radiation, impairing the normal drainage of lymphatic fluid.

The effects of cancer and its treatment endure long after medical treatment ends. Some changes may actually be positive (i.e., you have a better appreciation of life, or you may have become closer to your family and friends). Other negative changes, such as: pain, scars, or lymphedema; are constant reminders that you have been diagnosed with cancer.

When pain symptoms persist, you may not always find sufficient compassion and empathy. Friends and family, and even health care personnel, may appear skeptical regarding your complaints, because post-treatment pain is not always visible and can't be easily measured.

Recognition of Post Breast Therapy Pain Syndrome (PBTPS) by the medical profession is in its early stages. Many professionals are unaware of this problem because they have little experience in making the diagnosis, and in treating this syndrome. You may, need to take a proactive approach to educate your health care team about this problem, and to seek effective solutions from them. PBTBS is best treated as soon as possible, because it becomes chronic and more resistant to effective treatment when diagnosis and initiation of therapy is delayed.

The physical therapists at our office are specially trained in recognizing and treating the symptoms associated with post breast therapy syndrome and lymphedema.

Discuss your concerns and treatment options with any member of your health care team. Under most circumstances, a referral from your physician is needed for insurance coverage