Lymphatic cording or axillary web syndrome after breast cancer surgery.

Abstract

Lymphatic cording or axillary web syndrome (AWS) refers to a ropelike structure that develops mainly under the axilla but can extend to involve the medial aspect of the ipsilateral arm down to the antecubital fossa. It usually appears after axillary dissection and can develop after a patient’s last surgical follow-up. As a result, nonsurgical health professionals such as physio-and massage therapists often manage patient care relating to AWS. To illustrate the typical clinical course of the syndrome, we present the case of a patient in whom AWS developed after surgery for node-positive breast cancer. Hopefully, our report will encourage surgeons and physiotherapists to collaborate in the treatment of this poorly understood syndrome.