Itching normal after mastectomy and reconstruction?
Meet the Experts
Kristin Brill, M.D., F.A.C.S. is a breast surgeon and clinical instructor at the Thomas Jefferson University Department of Surgery in Philadelphia, PA. She also maintains a practice in Cherry Hill, N.J. Dr. Brill is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons. In addition, she has published breast cancer research in medical journals such as Annals of Plastic Surgery and Cancer, and she has presented research at the American Society of Clinical Oncology.
Linda Miller, P.T. is the clinical director of the Breast Cancer Physical Therapy Center, LTD, a private practice serving the Philadelphia, PA and southern New Jersey areas. Linda specializes in treating post-operative complications of breast cancer surgery, including lymphedema.
Question from Calico: Is it normal to have itchiness after bilateral mastectomy with reconstruction? It's been 2.5 yrs and it drives me crazy. It seems to be “inside,” no signs of abnormality outside, no redness etc...and it is on the good side too. Thank you.
- Answer —Kristin Brill, M.D., F.A.C.S.: That itchiness is not uncommon. It may be nerve pain or sensation. You get the sensation of itchiness, almost like a phantom pain. It may be more nerve-related than anything truly real or skin related. It tends to disappear over time.
On Wednesday, May 21, 2008, our Ask-the-Expert Online Conference was called After Surgery: Short-term and Long-term Effects. Kristin Brill, M.D., F.A.C.S. and Linda Miller, P.T. answered your questions about short-term and long-term side effects of breast surgery, and what you can do about them.
The materials presented in these conferences do not necessarily reflect the views of Breastcancer.org. A qualified healthcare professional should be consulted before using any therapeutic product or regimen discussed. All readers should verify all information and data before employing any therapies described here.
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