Abstract
Chronic post-mastectomy pain (CPMP) is a prevalent and significant concern for many breast cancer surgery patients, affecting between 25% and 60% of females within the first year after surgery. This multifactorial condition arises from a combination of peripheral nerve injury, central sensitization, and immune-mediated inflammation. Although no single intervention can fully prevent CPMP, a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach that addresses the biological, psychological, and social aspects of pain is crucial for enhancing the quality of life for breast cancer survivors. It is often underrecognized by clinicians, who may attribute pain to the expected postoperative recovery process, while patients sometimes accept discomfort as a normal side effect of antineoplastic treatment. However, neglecting to identify and professionally manage persistent neuropathic pain can lead to long-term disability, opioid dependence, and psychological comorbidities. This narrative review aims to synthesize the existing literature on the mechanisms of CPMP and summarize its preventive and therapeutic strategies.
First Page
23
Last Page
34
Recommended Citation
Algain A.
Chronic Post-Mastectomy Pain: Insights Into Mechanisms, Prevention, and Treatment Approaches.
J. Med. Rehab. Sci.
2026;
3(1).
https://doi.org/10.64064/3122-3370.1019
