Prevalence and Clinical Profile of the Phantom Breast Syndrome: Integrative Review

Abstract

Introduction: The breast phantom syndrome consists of the feeling of persistence of the breast after its withdrawal and encompasses both painful and non-painful sensations. Although it is reported in population studies, its clinical aspects as well as its prevalence remain unknown. Objective: To evaluate the profile of population-based research conducted either in Brazil or worldwide that analyzed the clinical features as well as the incidence or prevalence of breast phantom. Method: An integrative Literature Review from 2002-2011, carried out by means of bibliographic search in the PubMed, LILACS and SciELO databases. Articles that investigated clinical characteristics as well as the prevalence of breast phantom syndrome in Brazil and throughout the world were chosen. Results: In the selected period, four prospective studies and 10 cross-sectional studies that met the selection criteria were identified and established for this literature review. A wide range of assessment methods was found, showing a lack of standardization. It is observed that although several studies evaluate and describe the development of pain and postoperative morbidities, a few sought to delimit the characteristics of breast phantom, becoming a secondary subject in the process of dealing with the mastectomy. Conclusion: It is necessary to emphasize the importance of further exploration of the Breast Phantom Syndrome with post-surgical morbidity of breast cancer, so that certain actions be directed to its best knowledge and research.