Phantom Breast Syndrome: Experience from a University Hospital in a Developing Country

Abstract

Mastectomy remains the treatment of choice in many developing countries due factors influencing the early detection strategies. Post mastectomy pains is often masked by the feeling of inadequacy and shame of the mutilated body image. Phantom pain is the pain that represent the feeling of the pain of an amputated body part. With Phantom Breast Syndrome" (PBS) patients may suffer the sensation which varies from mild discomfort itching, tingling, pressure, burning, and throbbing at the target site. The timing of the symptoms is variable ranging from few months to years [1]. In addition to the mutilated body image, it is estimated that over 50% of women suffer chronic pain following treatment for breast cancer surgery. " [2] It can seriously affect quality of life through the combined impact of physical disability and emotional distress. [3] Some reports have shown that genetic variations in the catecholaminergic and serotonergic pathways may contribute to the development and severity of persistent breast pain [4]. The severity and impact of PBS varies among individuals, it may be affected by age, education, axillary dissection, reconstruction, and psychosocial stress [5]. In our communities, pain may not be the major concern, women present late due to the fear of mutilating mastectomy and the social stigma it accompanies. Another entity is Alexithymia, or the inability to express emotions maybe involved in mechanisms of comprehending pain chronicity [6]. Materials & MethodsThis study was conducted at the breast oncology clinics between Jan 2017-December 2018. Direct interview using a prepared pilot tested structured questionnaire directed towards patients who underwent mastectomy between the periods of January