Pain in the arm | Surgery for breast cancer

Pain in the arm

In the arm, the pain is caused by the removal of the lymph nodes. Here the pain can occur during wound healing. But there is also the risk that this pain becomes chronic.

The removal of the lymph nodes simultaneously injures tiny, sensitive nerves that send a permanent pain stimulus to the brain. This pain is called neuropathic pain, which means nerve pain and is described as burning pain. Of course, lymphedema can also cause pain due to the swelling of the tissue. However, this pain subsides as soon as the swelling of the tissue is removed.

What scars are created?

If a breast-conserving surgery is performed, a small scar will appear on the breast at the place where the tumor was removed. This scar is normally only a few centimeters. Depending on the location of the tumor, lymph node removal can be performed through the same incision, leaving only a scar. In other cases, a second incision must be made during the operation to remove the lymph nodes. When the entire breast is removed, a scar is usually left, although this is larger than the scars from BET (breast-conserving therapy).

Where are the scars?

With BET (breast-conserving therapy), a small scar appears in the area of the breast. The location of the scar depends on where the tumor is located.Often the incision can be made in the lateral or lower part of the breast, so that the scar does not reach the décolleté and is not in direct view. In some cases, a second incision must be made to remove the lymph nodes in the armpit, which leaves a scar in the front area of the armpit. If a complete removal of the breast is performed, this leaves a scar that runs horizontally from the breastbone to the armpit. The height of the scar is chosen so that no scar tissue is visible in the décolleté.

When can breast implants be inserted after breast cancer surgery?

A breast implant only needs to be inserted when the breast is completely removed. A placeholder can be inserted in the same operation, provided that there is no follow-up radiation. If a follow-up irradiation takes place, breast reconstruction can be started when the skin has recovered from the irradiation.

Otherwise, the rule of thumb is that breast reconstruction can be started six months after the operation. More information about breast reconstruction.