Breast Cancer: Targets and Therapy (Dec 2018)
Axillary web syndrome following breast cancer surgery: symptoms, complications, and management strategies
Abstract
LA Koehler,1–3 TC Haddad,4 DW Hunter,5 TM Tuttle3,6 1Division of Physical Therapy, 2Division of Rehabilitation Medicine, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Medical School, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA; 3University of Minnesota, Masonic Cancer Center, Minneapolis, MN, USA; 4Mayo Clinic, Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Oncology, Rochester, MN, USA; 5Department of Radiology, Medical School, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA; 6Department of Surgery, Medical School, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA Abstract: Axillary web syndrome (AWS) is a common condition occurring in up to 86% of patients following breast cancer surgery with ipsilateral lymphadenectomy of one or more nodes. AWS presents as a single cord or multiple thin cords in the subcutaneous tissues of the ipsilateral axilla. The cords may extend variable distances “down” the ipsilateral arm and/or chest wall. The cords frequently result in painful shoulder abduction and limited shoulder range of motion. AWS most frequently becomes symptomatic between 2 and 8 weeks postoperatively but can also develop and recur months to years after surgery. Education about and increased awareness of AWS should be promoted for patients and caregivers. Assessments for AWS should be performed on a regular basis following breast cancer surgery especially if there has been associated lymphadenectomy. Physical therapy, which consists of manual therapy, exercise, education, and other rehabilitation modalities to improve range of motion and decrease pain, is recommended in the treatment of AWS. Keywords: cording, Mondor’s disease, rehabilitation, axillary lymphadenectomy
