Post-axillary dissection pain in breast cancer due to a lesion of the intercostobrachial nerve

Abstract

Seven patients with breast carcinoma and post-axillary dissection pain are described. They complained about pain in the axilla, inner side of the upper arm and/or shoulder. All had undergone a partial or radical breast amputation including an axillary lymph node dissection. On neurological examination all had evidence of a lesion of the intercostobrachial nerve. The pain was not associated with lymphedema and only one patient had undergone radiotherapy to the axillary and supraclavicular area. Post-axillary dissection pain is probably a more appropriate name than the usual post-mastectomy pain for this syndrome. During the dissection, the intercostobrachial nerve is often lesioned, which may give rise to neuropathic pain of that nerve.