Advances in Neuroimaging of Breast Cancer Pain: An Overview

Abstract

Breast cancer is currently the most common malignant tumor, primarily affecting women, and it frequently leads to chronic pain that significantly impairs physical and mental health. Neuroimaging studies have demonstrated that breast cancer-related pain is associated with specific brain alterations, including changes in activation, connectivity, and structure of pain-processing regions. This review synthesizes findings on functional and structural brain changes related to chronic pain in breast cancer and compares them with non-cancer chronic pain patterns. By integrating recent evidence, it proposes a conceptual framework to advance the understanding of pain mechanisms and supports personalized pain management strategies to improve quality of life.