Modified radical mastectomy is the most common form of breast cancer treatment. It involves the surgical removal of the affected breast tissue and most of the surrounding lymph nodes. Unlike a radical mastectomy, the muscle underneath the breast tissue and some of the lymph nodes typically remain intact following modified radical mastectomy. Patients should speak with a doctor regarding the potential complications of modified radical mastectomy before undergoing this surgical procedure.
Lymphedema
Removal of the lymph nodes during modified radical mastectomy can increase a patient's risk of developing lymphedema as a surgical complication, the University of Michigan Health System reports. Lymphedema occurs when excess fluid generated by the lymphatic system accumulates within the arm near the surgical site. Patients may notice that their arm appears swollen or enlarged and is tender or painful to the touch. Unfortunately, this complication may not fully resolve after surgery and can lead to chronic arm swelling or discomfort in certain patients.
Scar Tissue
Patients who have this form of surgery may develop inflexible, hard tissue, called scar tissue, across the surgical site. Scar tissue that builds up underneath the armpit may lead to shoulder complications, such as reduced mobility due to sensations of pain or stiffness, MayoClinic.com explains. The formation of scar tissue may also cause the treated body region to appear lumpy or disfigured, which may lead to emotional or psychological complications such as sadness, embarrassment or self-consciousness in treated patients.
Nerve Damage
Breast and lymph tissue removal during modified radical mastectomy can cause nerve damage or irritation in patients. These nerve complications may lead to numbness along the surgical side or increased skin sensitivity in certain patients, according to BreastCancer.org. Skin sensitivity or numbness caused by nerve irritation may progressively resolve as a patient begins to heal from surgery. However, numbness resulting from the complete severing of one or more nerves may be permanent.
Bruising or Pain
The skin across the surgical site may appear discolored or bruised following modified radical mastectomy. Bruising is temporary and progressively subsides during the normal healing process. Certain patients may also develop long-term pain underneath the armpit or across the chest, which should be discussed with a medical professional if such complications arise.
Breast Cancer Recurrence
Fewer than 7 percent of patients who undergo surgery to remove the breast due to breast cancer experience regrowth of cancer cells within six years of treatment, according to the University of Michigan Health System. Patients should receive follow-up care from a medical professional to ensure any type of cancerous cell growth is promptly detected and treated.
