The Sequelae of Mastectomy and Quadrantectomy Respect to the Reaching Movement in Breast Cancer Survivors

The hypothesis behind our study was that patients after BC surgery, who underwent quadrantectomy or mastectomy, may present a different disability respect to the upper limb on the operated side. Accordingly they could have a different functional recovery patterns after rehabilitation. The aim of our study was to compare the recovery of the fluidity of the reaching movement (Jerk) as the primary outcome, the reduction of shoulder pain and improvement of disability for the upper limb respect the operated side as secondary outcomes, before and after a specific rehabilitation protocol treatment.

Surgery is usually the first line of attack against breast cancer (BC). The decisions about surgery depend on many factors based on the stage, the type of cancer and patient acceptability, in terms of her long term peace of mind and survival prospects. Typically, breast reconstruction takes place during or soon after mastectomy, to avoid psychological distress for the patient, and in some cases, also after lumpectomy or quadrantectomy; furthermore breast reconstruction can be done many months or even years after surgery too. Today, breast cancer rehabilitation can help survivors to obtain and maintain the highest possible physical, social, psychological and vocational functioning, within the limits created by cancer and its treatments. After BC surgery, is common to detect disorders as shoulder dysfunction, postmastectomy syndrome, chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy, axillary cording, lymphedema and a host of others as postural imbalance. Also, alterations in muscle activation and restricted shoulder mobility, which are common in BC patients, have been found to affect upper limb function and alterations in muscle activity patterns differed by breast surgery and reconstruction type: rehabilitation and in particular mobilization stretches and shoulder and scapula exercises after breast surgery are an effective resource to improve upper limb range of motion and decrease chest tightness and pain. This study was prompted by the lack of literature about the quadrantectomy versus mastectomy intervention, considering the disability of the upper limb from the operated side, especially if in relation to the rehabilitation pathway, currently recommended in BC care.