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Review
. 2023 Dec;25(12):1445-1453.
doi: 10.1007/s11912-023-01474-6. Epub 2023 Nov 13.

Postmastectomy Functional Impairments

Eden Marco  1 , Gabrielle Trépanier  2 , Eugene Chang  3   4   5 , Emma Mauti  3 , Jennifer M Jones  6   7 , Toni Zhong  8
Affiliations
Review

Postmastectomy Functional Impairments

Eden Marco et al. Curr Oncol Rep. 2023 Dec.

Erratum in

  • Correction to: Postmastectomy Functional Impairments.
    Marco E, Trépanier G, Chang E, Mauti E, Jones JM, Zhong T. Marco E, et al. Curr Oncol Rep. 2023 Dec;25(12):1455. doi: 10.1007/s11912-023-01481-7. Curr Oncol Rep. 2023. PMID: 38079065 Free PMC article. No abstract available.

Abstract

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. 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.

Keywords: Breast cancer survivorship; Functional impairment; Postmastectomy.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no competing interests.

Eden Marco, Gabrielle Trépanier, Eugene Chang, Emma Mauti, and Jennifer M Jones declare no conflict of interest. Toni Zhong has received funding from the Canadian Institute for Health Research and is currently the Belinda Stronach Chair in UHN Breast Reconstruction.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Anatomical representation of functional impairments
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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