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Breast Cancer (Expert Forum)
Burning pain in arn after axial lymph node biopsy
Questions posted in the Breast Cancer Forum are answered by medical professionals from The Cleveland Clinic. Topics include Breast Biopsy, Chemotherapy, Hormone Therapy, Lumps, Lumpectomy, Lymph node dissection, Lymphedema, Mammograms, Mastectomy, Radiation Therapy, Reconstruction, Self Breast Exam, and Surgery.
Burning pain in arn after axial lymph node biopsy
by Mowgli, Jun 22, 2006 12:00AM
I had a lumpectomy along with 7 lymph nodes removed on April 12. I am experiencing burning pain and tenderness in my arm (side of surgery) from the shoulder to the elbow. It seemed to be going away but since I have started Radiation, it is back and just as bad as before. On the days when it is bad, a long sleeve top will irritate it. In my follow-up visit surgeon he said that this is a due to a nerve being stretched and it will take a month to 6 weeks to heal. it is now going on 3 months. Has anyone experienced this kind of pain and how long has it lasted? Any idea why starting Radiation would make it worse since they are not radiating my arm pit. My nodes were cancer free. Thanks to all
Doctor's Answer
by CCF-RN,MSN-rf, Jun 22, 2006 12:00AM
Dear mowgli: Burning pain is often associated with damage or irritation to a nerve. Sometimes the area of nerve irritation may not be where the pain is felt. Radiation therapy will sometimes initially cause some swelling of the tissue which may be contributing to the nerve irritation. Nerve pain can take a long time to resolve. Many standard pain medicines may not be helpful. You might discuss the pain with your doctor who may be able to prescribe medications that may be more effective for nerve type pain, if needed.
Member Comments (4)
by Mowgli, Jun 24, 2006 12:00AM
To: ccf- RN
Thank you very much for your answer which put it into simple nd direct terms. Mowgli
by Happy4825, Jun 24, 2006 12:00AM
To: mowgli
I recently had a Mastectomy and also suffered from burning under my arm really bad even my sleeve hurt. I started to use Baby Corn Starch powder and it was like a miracle the way the burning stopped. I still use it when I need it. During the opeastion I had some Lumph Nodes removed and this was the sorce of my pain. I hope this helps you. Good luck.
by LatinaLady, Jun 26, 2006 12:00AM
I had an inflamation of a lymphnode under my armpit I saw a breast surgeon who would not remove it cause it was inflamatory but it sure damage something under my arm cause I been havind that burning sensation you guys are talking about , I been dealing with this since April, the lymphnode was 2.7cm x 1.9cm big and now it disappear but I still in pain after all kind of meds...Im glad I keep reading this forum.... cause all they tell me is that the pain I have is because I had a "huge inflamation" and that it will go back to normal eventually! When?? is my question!!??!!! Well good luck to you all and God Bless!
by BooBerry, Jul 26, 2008 05:11PM
A related discussion, Is it impossible? was started.
