Answered by SecondMedic Expert
Oncologist · Cancer / Oncology / Cancer Surgery
Yes, absolutely. Phantom limb syndrome following a mastectomy is an extremely common occurrence that affects many women who have undergone the procedure. In fact, studies indicate that up to 90 percent of women experience phantom limb pain and other symptoms after having a mastectomy.
Phantom limb syndrome is the sensation of feeling a presence in the area where an amputated or removed body part used to be located. It can include sensations such as burning, itching, tingling, cramping and “phantom” pain in areas where breasts (or any other limbs) have been removed due to cancer treatment or another medical condition. This feeling can sometimes even extend further than the original site of removal - for example if a breast was removed from one side of your chest you may feel phantom pains on both sides!
The exact cause of phantom limb syndrome following a mastectomy is unknown but it has been suggested that nerve damage caused by surgery may play a role in its development. Some research also points to psychological factors such as coping with loss and anxiety surrounding body image which may contribute towards this condition. It's likely there are multiple contributing factors involved when it comes to phantom limb syndrome following lumpectomy and mastectomy surgeries - as well as other types of cancer treatments/amputations too!
Thankfully there are several effective ways to help manage pain associated with this phenomenon; including physical therapy interventions (such as massage), relaxation techniques like yoga/meditation, medications prescribed by your doctor (including anticonvulsants & antidepressants) and more recently potentially even transcranial magnetic stimulation therapy (TMS). Of course all treatment should be discussed thoroughly with your physician first before deciding what's best for you!
It's important to remember that although it might seem daunting at first; dealing with something like this isn't easy but many people have successfully managed their phantom limb discomfort so don’t lose hope – help is out there if you look for it :)
