Clinical and neuropsychological assessment of the condition of patients with post-mastectomy syndrome

Abstract

Background. Post-mastectomy syndrome is a complex of symptoms that occurs in at least 80 % of women after treatment for breast cancer. The analysis of neurological disorders occurring in patients after antitumor treatment will increase the effectiveness of rehabilitation measures.Objective. To perform a clinical and neuropsychological assessment of the condition of patients with post-mastectomy syndrome.Design and methods. An open single-center uncontrolled study of the assessment of clinical and neuropsychological status in 45 patients with post-mastectomy syndrome was performed.Results. The components of the post-mastectomy syndrome are described, which, along with lymphedema of the upper limb, have a negative impact on the general health condition of the patients, lead to a violation of the psychosocial status, impaired adaptation and decreased life quality. In the clinical picture, a disorder of motor functions with a decrease in muscle tone, muscle strength, restriction of movements in the shoulder joint on the side of the operation, a violation of surface sensitivity on the medial surface of the shoulder was revealed.Conclusion. Studied patients developed anterior scalenus muscle syndrome (thoracic outlet syndrome), in the clinical picture manifested by pain, swelling, paresthesia and numbness of the upper limb on the side of the operation. Cerebrovascular disorders were manifested by vertebro-basilar insufficiency syndrome, which manifested in the form of headaches, dizziness, cognitive and emotional disorders.