Please go to a PT. They can help with this. It’s better not to wait longer because it’s harder to fix if you wait more.
June 2
Cording (also called axillary web syndrome or AWS) and scar tissue are related but not exactly the same thing. Cording happens when connective tissue under the skin becomes inflamed and hardens after surgery, forming tight, rope-like bands. It's most common after lymph node removal but can also happen after mastectomy or Show Full Answer
Cording (also called axillary web syndrome or AWS) and scar tissue are related but not exactly the same thing. Cording happens when connective tissue under the skin becomes inflamed and hardens after surgery, forming tight, rope-like bands. It's most common after lymph node removal but can also happen after mastectomy or lumpectomy.
Thick, hard scars at the surgery site are a separate (though related) issue — your body produces collagen fibers to heal the incision, and as that scar tissue matures and tightens, it can feel very firm.
Nine months out, it's possible you're experiencing both. Signs of cording specifically include:
- A tight, cord-like feeling running from your armpit down your arm
- Visible web-like tissue under the skin
- Pain or restricted movement when raising your arm
- Numbness or tingling extending toward the wrist or thumb Radiation can also make both cording and scar tissue worse, so it's really worth mentioning this to your care team. The good news is that both conditions are treatable. Physical therapy, massage, stretching, and anti-inflammatory medications can all help — and many people do see significant improvement over time, even months later.
Don't wait on this one — early treatment helps avoid longer-term mobility issues.
May 29
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