Back of Arm and Armpit Complete Numbness After Bilateral Mastectomy

I had a double mastectomy on 4/30 & on my left side had 11 nodes removed. On that side the backside of my arm and armpit are completely numb. I was wondering if sensation will return to those areas. I have expanders in now & while much of my range of motion has returned in my right arm, my left arm is still pretty limited. Will sensation return when I get my range of motion back or is it possible that it is gone for good? My plastic surgeon told me no exercises were necessary to regain ROM.

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7 Doctor Answers | Asked by cmpizz in NYC

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Arm Numbness after Mastectomy

I am sorry for what you are going through. It is horrible enough to have a diagnosis of cancer and undergo mastectomies without having any other complications. Unfortunately the nerve supplying sensation to the inner arm runs close to where the lymph nodes are located. To increase the likelihood of getting all the cancers cells, your surgeon had to remove all the nodes including any nerve fibers in them. Sensation may return but it will take time. It will regenerate slowly (at a rate... more

Numbness after mastectomy

Unfortunately it is fairly comon to get numbness in the armpit and along the arm from the distrribution of some of the sensory nerves that may have been divided during your mastectomy. This may or may not get better

Steven Wallach, MD

12 reviews

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Numbness after mastectomy

Unfortunately, it is not uncommon to lose arm sensation after mastectomy especially after extensive dissection has been performed, in case of lymph node dissection. Some of the sensation may come back in the future as nerves grow back; however, the sensation may not be the same as before. It will take some time to get some of the sensation. In terms of range of motion, you can start utilizing your left arm and exercising in 3-4 weeks. If you do not use your left... more

Sensation loss after mastectomy

Sensation may return to some degree, but will most likely not be the same. The inner arm sensory nerve is occasionally sacrificed during axillary node dissection. I do believe it necessary to begin range of motion exercises by 4 weeks to minimize stiffness and limited mobility. I wish you a safe and healthy recovery. Paul S. Gill, M.D. Gill Plastic Surgery Houston Double Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Sensation Loss Common After Mastectomy

Unfortunately, it is common to have nerve sensation loss after a mastectomy and lymph node dissection. If you had eleven nodes removed, that is pretty extensive. The sensory nerves get very beat up, and cut sometimes, and there is not alot you can do about it. Only time will tell - it can take up to 2 years for nerves to fully come back, so be patient. If, after two years, it has not improved, chances are that is how it is going to stay. I hope this helps.... more

Numbness after mastectomy

Numbness in the axillary region and upper arm are common post-mastectomy, especially if axillary surgery was performed. There are several nerves that course through the axillary region. Continue to be patient...often times it takes up to a year before sensation returns to any peri-incisional area. Unfortunately, there is a nerve, the intercostobrachial nerve, which provdes the sensation to the area that you describe. If injured, sensation may not return.... more

Sensory Loss and Numbess After Mastectomy and Lymph Node Dissection

What you are experiencing in terms of the numbness and sensory changes is very common after mastectomy and axillary lymph node dissections. In terms of range of motion exercises, I generally clear patients to start some range of motion exercises several weeks after mastectomy.