[libribook.com] Traumatic Scar Tissue Management 1st Edition

Figure 6.2
Nerves plexuses in the chest and axillary areas.
The cervical plexus is a string of anastomoses formed by the anterior branches of
the first four cervical nerves before they divide. The anterior branches are lodged
in the groove that is formed by the superior surface of the transverse processes,
and pass between the two intertransverse muscles behind the vertebral artery.
The cervical plexus is situated behind the posterior edge of the
sternocleidomastoid, deep to the internal jugular vein, internal carotid artery and
the vagus nerve. It anastomoses with the hypoglossal, vagal and sympathetic
nerves (Croibier 1999).
Trauma to these plexuses can lead to neuropathic symptoms such as pain,
numbness, tingling, and/or increased sensitivity in those areas. Targeted drug
therapies (Perjeta® – generic name: pertuzumab – and Kadcyla® – generic
name: ado-trastuzumab emtansine) can also cause neuropathy (BreastCancer.org
2015c).