[Axillary web syndrome following axillary lymph node dissection for melanoma: 5 cases].

BACKGROUND: Axillary web syndrome is a rare disease similar to Mondor's disease and is usually seen after axillary surgery. Herein, we describe five new cases, all of which occurred in a setting of melanoma.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: Five patients presented axillary web syndrome following sentinel node surgery, adenectomy or axillary curettage in a setting of melanoma. Therapy involving analgesics and physiotherapy to snap the cord-like structure helped accelerate resolution.

DISCUSSION: Some debate continues to surround the physiopathology of axillary web syndrome in the literature, particularly regarding its relationship with Mondor's disease, which is considered to result from superficial venous thrombosis. The lymphatic and myofascial explanation for the syndrome appears to us to be more coherent and justifies the non-aggressive therapeutic approach we adopt for our patients, who receive assurances about the benign nature of their condition and the absence of sequelae.

CONCLUSION: Axillary surgery in patients presenting melanoma appears to be a risk factor for axillary web syndrome. No relationship has as yet been demonstrated between this syndrome and the presence of axillary metastases.