Post-Mastectomy Syndrome

Post-mastectomy Pain Syndrome, or PMP, is a newly recognized pain syndrome affecting women who have had mastectomies due to breast cancer.  The origin of the pain and nerve damage is thought to come from cutting or damaging the nerves during the surgery to remove the breast and surrounding tissues.

Symptoms
Symptoms of PMP include:

• Burning, achy feeling around the breasts and chest
• “Frozen” shoulder, when there are limits in the rotation of the shoulder and arms
• Tenderness around the area
• Pain and tingling in the scar tissue

Evaluation for PMP
The evaluation for PMP is a multi-step process.

1. All new patients seen at the Pain Center receive The Brief Pain Inventory™.  This document asks you the following questions:
   • About your pain
   • Where you feel the pain
   • When you feel the pain
   • Describe the type and sensations of the pain
2. Lee Ann Rhodes, MD, will ask to see all your medical records.
3. Typically, you will be evaluated by a nurse.  You will be given a full medical workup, including your vital signs and a list of your symptoms and complaints.
4. After Dr. Rhodes speaks to the nurse, she will come in to talk to you and to continue the examination.  Dr. Rhodes will design an individualized treatment plan to help treat your pain symptoms.  Most often, this plan will include referrals to other professionals on Our Team.
5. You will follow-up with Dr. Rhodes two to four weeks after your initial appointment.

Treatment for PMP
The pain symptoms for PMP are treated using a combination of:

• Medical management (drugs to control anxiety and pain)
• Physical therapy
• Nerve blocks
• Psychotherapy
• Integrative medicine (this may include massage, acupuncture and other forms of holistic medicine)