The relationship between persistent pain and tactile sensory and pain pressure thresholds in postmastectomy breast cancer patients: A preliminary report

Background: Persistent postmastectomy pain is common among breast cancer patients. The relationship of persistent postmastectomy pain (PPP) with sensory loss and increased pain sensitization remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the relationship between PPP and tactile sensory thresholds and pain pressure thresholds in postmastectomy breast cancer patients. Methods: Patients were divided into two groups according to the presence and absence of PPP. On both the operated and non-operated sides, pain pressure thresholds (breast, arm, and forearm) were assessed using an algometer, and tactile sensory thresholds (scar region, breast upper outer quadrant, axillary region, median cutaneous nerve and intercostobrachial nerve regions, forearm, and hand) were measured using the Semmes–Weinstein monofilament test. Results: PPP was detected in 31 (64.6%) of the patients. There was a statistically significant difference in the tactile sensory thresholds and pain pressure thresholds of the operated and non-operated sides (P < 0.001). There was no statistically significant difference between the pain pressure thresholds and tactile sensory thresholds of the groups with and without PPP. There was a weak positive correlation between the mean pain intensity and side to side difference in tactile sensory thresholds measured from the axillary region (P = 0.046, r = 0.289). Conclusions: Axillary region sensorial loss and PPP may be linked in postmastectomy cancer patients. Pain sensitization and loss of sensation do not seem to be associated with PPP.