Axillary web syndrome following secondary breast-conserving surgery: a case report

BACKGROUND: Axillary web syndrome is a cause of significant morbidity in the early postoperative period after axillary surgery. CASE PRESENTATION: A patient developed axillary web syndrome after secondary breast surgery and recovered in 3 weeks through physical therapy and using Aescuven Forte. DISCUSSION: The pathogenesis of axillary web syndrome is not clear. It is reported that axillary surgery is the main cause. The presented case indicates that tissue injury might be an important cause of axillary web syndrome. Though axillary web syndrome is self-limiting, special physical therapy and Aescuven Forte can shorten the natural duration. CONCLUSION: Secondary breast surgery could cause axillary web syndrome. Physical therapy and Aescuven Forte could shorten the duration of the self-limited morbidity.