Mastectomy or Breast Reduction Surgery Can Result in CRPS

Mastectomy or Breast Reduction Surgery Can Result in CRPS

Mastectomy or Breast Reduction Surgery Can Result in CRPS

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is a neurological condition of the Central, Autonomic, Sympathetic & Enteric Nervous Systems that causes severe pain and can happen to anyone, at any time, after any injury. Learn how a Mastectomy or Breast Reduction Surgery Can Result in CRPS

To learn more about the symptoms, click here.

A Mastectomy is a major surgery where the patient, sometimes done in conjunction with Radiation therapy & completely removes the entire breast. Due to the severity of the surgery, a Mastectomy causes soreness of chest, underarm and shoulder. There have been documented cases where patients who underwent Mastectomy's developed CRPS in a limb &  patients who had breast reduction developed CRPS in the breast tissue.

Pain Following Mastectomy and Breast Reduction Surgery

According to Susan B. Komen, patience will "be numb across your chest (from your collarbone to the top of your rib cage)." It also states that "numbness is usually permanent. You may get some feeling back over time, but it will never be the same as before surgery."

Surgeon Alert

Surgeons should be alert that CRPS may need to be considered in the differential diagnosis of chronic disproportionate pain after breast surgery.


Are You at Risk?

CRPS is not well understood as there isn't much research being completed. The foundations that are out there, like us, are private and not well funded. We are fighting to spread the word about CRPS to reach as many doctors and people in the medical world as possible so that they can begin to get educated, and quickly diagnose patients to give them a chance at remission. 

To learn the risks, such as family and medical history, before getting surgery to help minimize your risk of getting surgery, click here. 

Symptoms of CRPS

If you are struggling with disproportionate pain, discoloration (purple, red or blotchy skin), burning or stabbing pain, cold/hot or sensitive skin - seek immediate medical treatment from a trained CRPS doctor. The faster that you seek treatment, the better chance you will have of remission. CRPS can spread to other limbs through the Sympathetic Nervous System.

CRPS can spread to other limbs and is the most painful disease known to humankind.

To view the complete list of symptoms, click here. 


Start Now Credits

Start Now is designed by Board Director Dr. Ming Kao, PhD, MD.


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