Angiosarcoma (AS) is an aggressive vascular malignancy that can affect various anatomic sites. Although rare, cutaneous angiosarcoma (CAS) the most common clinical manifestation of AS, accounting for approximately 50% to 60% all AS. CAS typically known occur in three settings: (1) idiopathic, (2) following radiation treatment, or (3) classically diagnosed mastectomy with subsequent chronic lymp...

BACKGROUND In the context of breast cancer, axillary web syndrome (AWS), also called lymphatic cording, typically presents in the weeks after axillary surgery. This painful condition, likely lymphofibrotic in origin, restricts upper extremity range of motion (ROM). There is no established treatment, although physical therapy and other approaches have been used to variable effect. This report de...

Thoracic paravertebral block (PVB) in breast surgery can provide regional anesthesia during and after surgery with the potential advantage of decreasing postoperative pain. We report our institutional experience with PVB over the initial 8 months of use. All patients undergoing breast operations at the ambulatory care building from September 09, 2005 to June 28, 2005 were reviewed. Comparison w...

Treves syndrome is a rare and aggressive malignancy of the lymphatic vessels. It was first described as arising in chronically lymphoedematous extremities by Stewart and Treves (1948), who noted the condition in six females who had undergone radical mastectomy for breast carcinoma. Since this time, over 300 cases of lymphangiosarcoma arising from the site of chronic lymphoedema have been report...

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effect of single-injection paravertebral block (PVB) combined with general anesthesia on 24-hour postoperative morphine requirement in patients undergoing modified radical mastectomy (MRM). MATERIAL AND METHOD 20 patients were randomly assigned into 2 groups. Patients in the control group were given only general anesthesia. Patients in the PVB group received 0.3 ml/k...

levels on the MPQ compared to TE/I patients two-years postoperatively, an important point to consider during preoperative counseling. The presence of preoperative pain was also a risk factor for CPSP. While multiple studies in recent years have focused on the widespread and underreported prevalence of post-mastectomy CPSP, only 10% of the sample had moderate-to-severe pain at two years. Therefo...

Objective: This article aims to assess the effect of transcutaneous electrical stimulation or ultrasound therapy in the treatment of post-mastectomy upper limb lymphedema. Method: A systematic literature review was performed from 1980 to 2012 from the MedLine, Cochrane Library, LILACS and SciELO databases. The terms used in the search were (breast neoplasm OR breast cancer OR lymphedema) and (h...

Systematic review of studies of patients' satisfaction with breast reconstruction published in English (1994-2006) using Medline, Embase, Cochrane databases. Twenty-eight studies related to cosmesis and two related to pain management were identified. Study designs were mostly randomised surveys but half of samples were small. Five studies compared surgical techniques and satisfaction, twelve an...

BACKGROUND Despite limited evidence, closed suction drainage is often used to reduce the risk of seroma formation after breast cancer surgery. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of drains and fibrin sealant on the incidence of seroma formation. METHODS A total of 116 patients undergoing surgery for breast cancer were randomized to receive suction drainage (group 1; n = 58), or t...

BACKGROUND Secondary lymphedema is common in women treated for breast cancer. It may be a result of surgery or radiotherapy. Edema commonly affects the arm, leading to discomfort, reduced arm movements, pain and diminished quality of life. Therefore, the relationship between post mastectomy lymphedema and quality of life has evolved as an important criteria in treatment of breast cancer survivo...