What are your options for treating post-mastectomy pain?
Post mastectomy pain is a very common problem with a prevalence rate of 40-50%. Treatment options discussed this this article include: anti-depressants as they help stabilize the nerve fibers and decrease pain. Anti-epileptics as they also decrease the action of hyperactive nerves. Topical capsaicin which works by suppressing the action of the angry nerves. Not mentioned in the article is physical therapy, mindfulness meditation for pain coping, a spinal cord stimulator or a pain pump. See an interventional pain physician to discuss all of your options for pain management.
The Research
Breast J. 2017 May;23(3):338-343. doi: 10.1111/tbj.12739. Epub 2017 Jan 30.
The Post-mastectomy Pain Syndrome-A Systematic Review of the Treatment Modalities.
Larsson IM1, Ahm Sørensen J1, Bille C1.
1 Department of Plastic Surgery, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark.
Abstract
Post-mastectomy pain syndrome (PMPS) is a chronic neuropathic pain condition, affecting many women who have undergone breast cancer surgery. The development of PMPS is complex and the treatment options are limited. In this systematic review, we have analyzed the existing treatment modalities of PMPS. Six studies on five treatments were carefully selected, critically evaluated, and presented. The treatments were: antidepressants, anti-epileptics, topical capsaicin, and autologous fat grafting. Four of these treatments had a significant effect on PMPS. However, most of the studies had several flaws and therefore larger studies of higher quality should be performed in the future.
© 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
