Surgery Side Effects

Surgery for breast cancer often causes short-term pain and tenderness at the site of the operation. It’s important to control this pain, so women should  talk with their provider in advance about which method of pain control would be appropriate for them. After surgery, the provider can adjust the pain management plan if additional pain relief is needed.

Any kind of breast cancer surgery also carries a risk of infection, poor wound healing, bleeding, or a reaction to the anesthesia used in surgery. Women who experience any of these problems should tell their provider  immediately.

Having a mastectomy can sometimes cause a woman's weight to shift and be out of balance, especially if she has large breasts. This imbalance can place strain on and cause discomfort in a woman's neck and back. Also, the skin covering the area where the breast was removed may feel tight, and the muscles of the arm and shoulder may feel stiff. After a mastectomy, some women have some permanent loss of strength in these muscles, but for most women, reduced strength and limited movement are temporary conditions. The provider or physical therapist can recommend exercises to help a woman regain movement and strength in her arm and shoulder.

Because nerves may be injured or cut during surgery, a woman may have numbness and tingling in the chest, underarm, shoulder, and arm. These feelings usually go away within a few weeks or months, but some women may experience permanent numbness.

Removing the lymph nodes under the arm slows the flow of lymph, a fluid that is drained from tissue spaces by the vessels of the lymphatic system. In some women, this fluid builds up in the arm and hand and causes swelling, a condition known as lymphedema. If lymphedema occurs, your provider may suggest raising your arm above your heart whenever you can. Often, performing certain exercises and resting with the arm propped up on a pillow can prevent or reduce the occurrence of lymphedema.

Some women with lymphedema wear an elastic sleeve to improve lymph circulation. Medication, massage to manually drain the lymph, or use of a machine that gently compresses the arm may also help. You may be referred to a physical therapist or another specialist.

Women should protect the arm and hand on the treated side from injury for an extended period after surgery. The provider can explain how to handle any cuts, scratches, insect bites, or other injuries that may occur. If an infection develops in the arm or hand, the provider should be contacted immediately.