PHANTOM BREAST SYNDROME POST MASTECTOMY IN BREAST CANCER PATIENTS

*Anmar Alharganee MD, MSc UK, Noufel Sh. Alshadood CABMS, FICMS, ABSO, MRCS(edn.), Hayder Hussein Ali Ali MBChB and Rayan Zaidan MBChB

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Breast cancer cases are surging worldwide, phantom breast syndrome raised as a complication among survivors particularly with the increased figures of mastectomy in developing countries. This syndrome is described as felling phantom sensation or pain at the surgical site. Methods: a questionnaire survey was done to assess the rate of phantom pain or sensation among breast cancer patients. Patient’s demographics, location of cancer and adjuvant therapy given were assessed through the survey. Results: it’s been noticed that phantom breast syndrome is a growing problem affecting cancer patients post surgery. About half of patients surveyed were complaining from phantom sensory pain. By comparison, 45% were seriously suffering from phantom pain at the site of mastectomy. Discussion: With the increase in number of mastectomies in relation to breast conservative and oncology plastic surgeries in developing countries. It is mandatory to assess the causes and consequences of radical breast surgeries and to diagnose breast cancer at earlier stage to eliminate the need of radical and adjuvant therapies. Social and psychological issues among cancer patients need to be carefully addressed by oncologists during follow up visits to eliminate any post treatment complication.

Keywords: phantom breast syndrome, phantom pain, Mastectomy, Phantom sensation.