Back of Arm and Armpit Complete Numbness After Bilateral Mastectomy

Question

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.

Christopher V. Pelletiere, MD · Answer

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.

Lewis Albert Andres, MD · Answer

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.  However, as the surrounding cutaneous nerves regenerate, some sensation, albeit a little bit different, may likely return.  But, a neuropraxia is is not uncommon with the nature of surgery, which then ameliorates with time.

Heather Richardson, MD, FACS · Answer

The more tissues are disrupted under the armpit, the more likely there is to be reduced sensation to the inner arm and armpit. This is often permanent, but can certainly improve if the surrounding nerves regenerate into the area over time. It is important to note that tingling, shooting sensations, and "creepy crawly" feelings can happen as the nerves are waking back up. If there is pain with movement, physical therapy can be immensely helpful. Also - the more lymph nodes removed, the need for post mastectomy radiation, and patients who have weight issues or who are elderly have a higher risk of lymphedema (fluid accumulation in the arm) after surgery. Seeing a lymphedema specialist as well before problems occur is a great way to have the best outcome possible and to be on top of any arm-swelling changes if they happen in the future.

C. Bob Basu, MD, MPH, FACS · Answer

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.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

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

Back of Arm and Armpit Complete Numbness After Bilateral Mastectomy

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Answer: Sensory Loss and Numbess After Mastectomy and Lymph Node Dissection

Answer: Sensory Loss and Numbess After Mastectomy and Lymph Node Dissection

Answer: Numbness after mastectomy

Answer: Numbness after mastectomy

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Back of Arm and Armpit Complete Numbness After Bilateral Mastectomy

Answers (8)

Answer: Sensory Loss and Numbess After Mastectomy and Lymph Node Dissection

Answer: Sensory Loss and Numbess After Mastectomy and Lymph Node Dissection

Answer: Numbness after mastectomy

Answer: Numbness after mastectomy

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Everything you need to know about Mastectomy

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.