Is pins and needles and tingling in your breast normal after breast cancer treatment?
Yes, pins and needles and tingling sensations in your breast are common after breast cancer treatment. These sensations often result from nerve damage caused by surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation.
After a mastectomy or lumpectomy, nerves in Show Full Answer
Is pins and needles and tingling in your breast normal after breast cancer treatment?
Yes, pins and needles and tingling sensations in your breast are common after breast cancer treatment. These sensations often result from nerve damage caused by surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation.
After a mastectomy or lumpectomy, nerves in the breast area may be cut or damaged during surgery. Your brain continues sending signals to these nerves, which can create various sensations including:
- Tingling or pins and needles
- Numbness
- Electric shock-like feelings
- Burning sensations
- Twitches or twinges
These sensations can occur even in breasts that have been removed, known as "phantom sensations." They may come and go and can take months or even years to subside as nerves heal.
Radiation therapy can also cause nerve damage, leading to sensitivity, numbness, pain, and tingling in the chest or underarm areas.
While these sensations are typically normal, it's important to mention them to your doctor, especially if they worsen over time or don't improve. They can help determine if what you're experiencing is expected or if treatment options might provide relief.
April 20
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