Breast surgery is a critical part of breast cancer treatment, but you might be surprised by some of the side effects that can come after. Regardless of which type of breast surgery you have, it’s helpful to know what to expect so you can prepare for the side effects and heal optimally.
Nearly every individual diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer will have surgery to remove the tumor, such as a lumpectomy or a mastectomy. Some patients may also choose breast reconstruction. Lymph node removal may also be required if the cancer has spread beyond the breast to the axillary lymph nodes (lymph nodes in the underarm area). Your surgery plan depends on many factors including the size and type of tumor, as well as your health and lifestyle.
This issue of Know More explores four common side effects of breast surgery. It also offers practical tips to help you navigate recovery, advocate for your needs and feel more in control during your treatment journey.
Four potential side effects following breast surgery:
Some symptoms are expected during recovery from breast surgery, but it’s important to monitor changes and ask your care team for help when something doesn’t feel right. Here are four things you may experience after surgery that you may not expect:
1. Numbness and lack of sensation: It’s common for women to report numbness or loss of sensation after breast surgery, often in the chest, under the arm or upper arm. This is more common in patients who have had a mastectomy at times with feeling never returning, but it happens with lumpectomies as well. While this symptom improves for some, for others it can become a permanent issue due to nerves being stretched, cut or damaged during surgery, manifesting in the lack of feeling sensation on and across the chest.
- Why it matters: The inability to feel the chest long-term extends beyond physical discomfort; it can impact your confidence, intimacy, emotional well-being and protection from injury (for example, if a bra wire were pressing into your chest, but you could not feel it to prevent the puncture wound). Not having sensory feedback in the chest can be distressing and difficult to grapple with, especially during common daily activities like hugging someone or showering.
- Options to consider: In the past, little could be done for chest numbness associated with nerve damage. Today, advanced surgical techniques are emerging, promoting a more careful approach to nerves during breast cancer surgery. Additionally, innovative nerve-grafting techniques are being developed that can reconnect nerves, potentially restoring function and sensation over time. Talk with your plastic surgeon early about what options might exist for nerve reconstruction. Even for those that have already had surgery, innovative nerve-grafting techniques could help restore some sensation years later.
There are multiple nerves that supply sensation to the breast, including intercostal nerves. There are also nerves for the nipple and surrounding skin (areola). Our bodies rely on nerves to communicate signals to the brain, allowing us to feel touch, temperature and pain.
A mastectomy removes breast tissue. It’s not possible to remove the breast tissue without also damaging the nerves within it.
When a nerve is cut during surgery, it’s no longer able to communicate (function and transmit) sensory signals. No signal means no sensation, which results in the loss of feeling (numbness) in the breast.
2. Limited range of motion and stiffness can happen initially after a lumpectomy or a mastectomy, especially if lymph nodes are removed. This may also involve “cording,” where tight bands under the skin restrict movement.
- Why it matters: Limited mobility can make it hard to reach overhead, dress yourself easily or return to everyday tasks like driving or lifting.
- What you can do: Ask about a referral to physical therapy or mobility exercises as part of your recovery plan. Starting gentle movement early (with your doctor’s guidance) can help reduce stiffness and improve long-term function. Early physical therapy can ease stiffness and prevent long-term mobility loss. It’s best to be proactive about addressing any discomfort or limited movement and talk to your doctor, especially if you notice cording or nerve-related pain.
3. Lymphedema is swelling caused by fluid buildup when lymph nodes are removed or damaged, usually affecting the arm or chest area. It can impact people who had breast cancer surgery with the removal of axillary lymph nodes and radiation to the area where the lymph nodes were removed. It may not show up right away, but early detection is key.
- Why it matters: If left untreated, lymphedema can limit mobility, cause discomfort and increase the risk of infection. It can also affect body image and the way that clothes fit.
- What you can do: One early sign might feel like heaviness or tightness in the arm. If you’re at risk of lymphedema, ask about options like compression sleeves or gentle exercises post-surgery, and monitor changes closely. Early treatment is key for keeping it manageable. Most cases of lymphedema can be managed, but the signs and symptoms don’t usually go away completely. When caught early though, treatment can reduce some signs and symptoms and stop them from getting worse.
4. Emotional or self-image changes are common and valid. Even when surgery goes well, the emotional impact can be complex. Many people feel sadness, anxiety or a disconnect from their bodies as they adjust to physical changes, whether from scars, shape or sensation loss.
- Why it matters: Emotional healing is just as important as physical recovery. These feelings can affect your relationships, self-esteem and quality of life.
- What you can do: Talk to your care team about how you’re doing emotionally. They may connect you to a mental health provider, such as a social worker, for emotional support or one-on-one counseling. It may also be helpful for you to talk about how you’re feeling and get support from others who have been there. Support groups and peer mentoring programs are resources for these types of connections. Your care team can help you find resources and there are some listed in the support section linked below.
Content covered in the Know More Educational Series may be an emerging area in research or technology. Talk with your doctor about what is right for you.
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Learn more:
Breast cancer surgery
Social Support
Support Groups
Mastectomy – What You Need to Know
Reconstruction
Listen:
Impact of Diagnosis on Your Mental Health Real Pink Podcast
Real Talk I Didn’t Want to Look Like Barbie Anymore Real Pink Podcast
What to Know About Breast Cancer Lymphedema Real Pink Podcast
Watch:
Lumpectomy Surgery: Tumor & Lymph Node Removal Explained
Breast Cancer Breakthroughs: Advances in surgery de-escalation
Advancements in Breast Reconstruction and Surgical Options for Lymphedema Management
Do you need help? We’re here for you. The Komen Patient Care Center is your trusted, go-to source for timely, accurate breast health and breast cancer information, services and resources. Our navigators offer free, personalized support to patients, caregivers and family members, including education, emotional support, financial assistance, help accessing care and more. Get connected to a Komen navigator by contacting the Breast Care Helpline at 1-877-465-6636 or email helpline@komen.org to get started. All calls are answered Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. ET and Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET. Se habla español.
