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Breast Cancer: Targets and Therapy Volume 11, 2019 - Issue
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Review

Axillary web syndrome following breast cancer surgery: symptoms, complications, and management strategies

LA Koehler1 Division of Physical Therapy, [email protected];2 Division of Rehabilitation Medicine, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Medical School, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA, [email protected];3 University of Minnesota, Masonic Cancer Center, Minneapolis, MN, USA, [email protected]Correspondence[email protected]
,
TC Haddad4 Mayo Clinic, Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Oncology, Rochester, MN, USA
,
DW Hunter5 Department of Radiology, Medical School, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
&
TM Tuttle3 University of Minnesota, Masonic Cancer Center, Minneapolis, MN, USA, [email protected];6 Department of Surgery, Medical School, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
Pages 13-19 | Published online: 20 Dec 2018

Figures & data

Figure 1 Axillary web syndrome of the left axilla.

Note: Multiple cords are visible in the mid axilla.
Figure 1 Axillary web syndrome of the left axilla.

Figure 2 Axillary web syndrome of the right extremity.

Note: Multiple cords are visible in the axilla and medial upper extremity with extension into the antecubital fossa.
Figure 2 Axillary web syndrome of the right extremity.

Figure 3 (A) In order to make an accurate diagnosis of the presence or absence of AWS. The physical examination should be performed in a manner that is designed to facilitate the search for the problem. The first step is to gently but maximally extend the arm at the elbow and then gently but maximally abduct the affected arm at the shoulder. The person performing the evaluation both visualizes and palpates for cords in the locations indicated in (B). (B) This figure illustrates the locations (see black lines) in which a cord or cords may be found, including the axilla, down the upper arm from the axilla to and across the antecubital space, and rarely down the forearm to the base of the thumb.

Abbreviation: AWS, axillary web syndrome.
Figure 3 (A) In order to make an accurate diagnosis of the presence or absence of AWS. The physical examination should be performed in a manner that is designed to facilitate the search for the problem. The first step is to gently but maximally extend the arm at the elbow and then gently but maximally abduct the affected arm at the shoulder. The person performing the evaluation both visualizes and palpates for cords in the locations indicated in (B). (B) This figure illustrates the locations (see black lines) in which a cord or cords may be found, including the axilla, down the upper arm from the axilla to and across the antecubital space, and rarely down the forearm to the base of the thumb.

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