What is axillary web syndrome?

What is axillary web syndrome?

• A. Scar tissue formation that may limit ROM and cause pain.
• B. Injury to the axillary nerve causing numbness.
• C. Excessive swelling in the armpit.
• D. Lymphatic obstruction causing edema.

Answer: (B)

Axillary web syndrome is the formation of a taut, cord-like band in the armpit area after procedures that involve the axillary lymph nodes, such as breast cancer surgery. This fibrous cord results from scar tissue and fibrosis in the lymphatic vessels and surrounding fascia, and it can tether the arm, causing pain and limited shoulder movement, especially during flexion and abduction. It’s not caused by axillary nerve injury, which would produce numbness or weakness in the deltoid region rather than a palpable cord or a restriction from scar tissue. It isn’t simply swelling in the armpit or lymphatic obstruction producing edema. Management focuses on gradual, guided range-of-motion exercises and soft-tissue techniques to stretch and release the cord and reduce fascial adhesions.

Axillary web syndrome is the formation of a taut, cord-like band in the armpit area after procedures that involve the axillary lymph nodes, such as breast cancer surgery. This fibrous cord results from scar tissue and fibrosis in the lymphatic vessels and surrounding fascia, and it can tether the arm, causing pain and limited shoulder movement, especially during flexion and abduction. It’s not caused by axillary nerve injury, which would produce numbness or weakness in the deltoid region rather than a palpable cord or a restriction from scar tissue. It isn’t simply swelling in the armpit or lymphatic obstruction producing edema. Management focuses on gradual, guided range-of-motion exercises and soft-tissue techniques to stretch and release the cord and reduce fascial adhesions.