Physical and Psychological Complications of Mastectomy: The Role of Physioterapy

Breast cancer affects a large number of women worldwide. Surgical management has evolved towards mastectomies and breast-conserving surgeries. The complications following a mastectomy can be physical and/or psychological. The physical complications include pain, scarring, lymphedema, limitation in range of motion at the shoulder, muscle weakness, change in body posture, etc. Some of the psychological complications are negative boy image, anxiety, depression and depressive disorders, negative body image. Appropriate management requires a multi-disciplinary team of which the physiotherapist is a part of. Literature has shown that there is a better improvement in physical function if physiotherapy is commenced early. Therefore, physiotherapy should be incorporated pre- and post-mastectomy. Physiotherapy management should focus on lymphatic drainage, soft tissue mobilization, range of motion exercises, strengthening exercises and postural correction. Increased physical activity and recommendation of support groups can help to improve psychological outcomes. It is the role of the physical therapist to deal with the physical and psychological complications of a mastectomy to improve the quality of life of the patients.