What are the most common symptoms of axillary web syndrome?
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What are the most common symptoms of axillary web syndrome?
A person with AWS may be able to feel a web of thick, rope-like structures under their arm. Or, the only symptom may be a feeling of pain or tightness when raising the arm above the head or straightening the elbow, for example. The symptoms may appear several days to several weeks or months after surgery.
What is cording axillary web syndrome?
Lymphatic cording or axillary web syndrome (AWS) refers to a ropelike structure that develops mainly under the axilla but can extend to involve the medial aspect of the ipsilateral arm down to the antecubital fossa. It usually appears after axillary dissection and can develop after a patient’s last surgical follow-up.
What nerve is damage with axillary node dissection?
During this surgery, there is a chance that a certain nerve will be damaged. This nerve is called the intercostobrachial nerve (ICBN). The ICBN provides sensation and feeling to: Parts of the axilla (armpit).
How do you get rid of axillary web syndrome?
Moving and stretching under the guidance of an experienced therapist are the best ways to resolve the condition and stop the pain. Stretching and flexibility exercises: Your therapist can work with you to help you learn exercises that gently stretch the cords and improve your pain-free range of motion.
What does cording pain feel like?
If you have cording, you may first notice pain in your armpit. Maybe you notice this pain while washing your hair or reaching for something on a shelf above you. “It may feel like a cord running from your breast to your armpit,” Dr. Murphy said.
How common is axillary web syndrome?
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.
What does axillary cording feel like?
You can usually see and feel these rope- or cord-like areas under your arm. They can also feel like a web. They’re usually raised but in some cases may not be visible. They’re often painful and restricting, causing a feeling of tightness when you try to raise your arm.
How do you know if you have cording?
You may be able to see or feel the cords when you lift your arm to shoulder height or above your head. There may be one thick cord or several smaller cords. They can cause a painful sensation and tightness that can reduce the range of movement of your arm and shoulder.
Which nerve is most at risk during mastectomy?
The main nerves at risk during mastectomy are: ICBN, medial and lateral pectoral, thoracodorsal, long thoracic and intercostal nerves. Nerve injury can be direct via transection (neurotmesis), or indirect from traction, compression or scar adhesion (neuropraxia, axonotmesis).
How do you relieve cording pain?
Cording Treatments
- Stretching exercises. The key to recovery is consistently doing special exercises that stretch the cords and allow you to move your arm more freely and with less pain.
- Pain medication. The exercises can be uncomfortable.
- Swimming.
- Laser therapy.
- Manual therapy.
Can cording be cured?
Given cording is typically self-limiting (meaning, if given enough time and with adherence to range of motion and stretching exercises, it will typically self-resolve), many patients may have it but never seek treatment for it.
What nerves are cut during mastectomy?
How long does it take for nerves to grow back after mastectomy?
Nerve growth happens at a rate of about 1mm per day, meaning that you can expect it to take several months before you start noticing any changes in breast sensation at all. When you do, these may manifest as tingling, twinges, hot/cold sensitivity, mini electric shocks, or achiness.
What does axillary pain feel like?
An axillary nerve injury can cause signs and symptoms of a localized neuropathy. Signs and symptoms may include: Pain to the area of the deltoid and anterior shoulder. Loss of movement and/or lack of sensation in the shoulder area.
Can you have cording without surgery?
Manual therapy. Your therapist may gently pull on the tissue in your arm, starting in the upper arm and working down toward your wrist. This may cause a cord to snap with a popping sound. It doesn’t usually hurt if this happens, and it might help you to move your arm more freely.
Is heat good for cording?
Home remedies. Applying moist heat directly to the areas of the cording may help, but ask your doctor before using any method with heat. Too much heat can stimulate lymph fluid production, which may increase cording and cause more discomfort.
Does cording lead to lymphedema?
CORRECTING TWO COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS. First, cording is often confused with scar tissue at the site of surgery. However, cording develops along the lymphatic vessel, extending far beyond the surgical scar. Second, there seems to be no connection between cording and lymphoedema, and cording does not lead to lymphoedema.
