[Phantom breast syndrome]

Abstract

Phantom breast syndrome following mastectomy has been reported by other authors. However, the temporal course, character and extent of this phenomena have not been elucidated. In a prospective study we have investigated the incidence, clinical picture and temporal course of phantom breast syndrome. One hundred and twenty women who started postoperative control or treatment at the Oncology Department over a one-year period were interviewed by a standard questionnaire three weeks after the operation. One year later 110 patients and six years later 68 patients were interviewed again. The incidence of phantom pain and non-painful phantom sensations was respectively 13.3% and 15.0%, respectively three weeks after the mastectomy. 12.7% and 11.8% after one year, and 17.4% and 11.8% after six years. A significant relationship between preoperative pain and phantom breast syndrome was found, but neither age, cancer treatment or postoperative sequelae seemed to affect the occurrence of phantom breast syndrome. Scar pain was found to persist in 30.9% of the patients six years after the operation. The present incidence of phantom-related phenomena is close to the incidence reported by others. However, persistent phantom pain after mastectomy may be more common than usually expected. Also, the persistence of scar pain seems to be more common than generally expected.