Sensory and physical alterations after mastectomy

Little scientific investigation has been conducted to examine the sensory and physical alterations experienced by women after mastectomy. No researchers have systematically examined the changes over time. In this study women were interviewed at five time periods during the first year after mastectomy (at 1, 4, 7, 10, and 12 months). Sensory alterations such as “numbness”; and “tightness”; were categorized as nonpainful. Other alterations were categorized as painful and had descriptions such as “burning”; and “bruised.”; The painful sensations were further classified as continuous or transient. Itching, tingling, and pinprick sensations were viewed as indicators of healing; continuous painful alterations were viewed with concern and fear. There was a significant decrease in the number of sensory alterations reported between the second and third interviews (between 4 and 7 months). While 35% (7) women reported arm swelling, only two had observable swelling. Only three women reported noting any change in balance or walking due to the mastectomy. A serendipitous finding was the report of excess tissue along the suture line by 35% (7) of the women. Suggestions for further research and clinical implications are included.