And this is why shoulder pain can signal lung cancer.
Pancoast's Tumor
According to Cancer Research UK Cancer Research UK, a rare type of lung cancer, known as a Pancoast tumor, can cause severe shoulder pain. The pain can also radiate down the arm or up the neck and head, according to the sheet Times Now News.
These tumors appear at the top of the lungs but rarely have breathing-related symptoms. As tumors spread, they can feel like neck and shoulder pain.
Rarely or never is shoulder pain related to lung cancer
The Pancoast tumor, which accounts for 5% of lung cancers, also causes arm pain, muscle weakness, tingling skin, and loss of sensation. As the tumor grows, pain can spread to the upper back, between the shoulder blades, the arms, and even the armpits.
What is Horner's syndrome?
About 40% of Pancoast tumor patients have Horner's syndrome, which causes severe shoulder pain, according to medical news site WebMD.
Pancoast tumors can grow and put pressure on nearby nerves. This compression causes shoulder pain, but also causes symptoms on one side of the face:
- Eyelid drooping
- The pupils of the eyes are smaller
- Red skin
- Can't sweat
Horner syndrome affects one side of the face where the tumor is located. The person may also feel a tingling or prickling sensation in the hand.
A rare type of lung cancer, called a Pancoast tumor, can cause severe shoulder pain
Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer. Usually due to long-term exposure to asbestos fibers. Shoulder pain may be an early symptom of pleural mesothelioma. The patient may also feel that the shoulder joint does not move. The more common first symptoms are chest pain, cough, and shortness of breath.
Metastatic lung cancer
Metastatic cancer can damage bones, internal organs, and nerves. In rare cases, it can also affect muscles. And sometimes severe shoulder pain can be a sign that cancer has spread and damaged muscles.
What should I do if I have shoulder pain?
Usually, shoulder pain is caused by repetitive joint movement, trauma, fracture, or soft tissue inflammation, not by a tumor.
If you have shoulder pain that spreads to nearby areas or other symptoms such as arm pain, muscle weakness, or tingling, you should seek medical attention early.
People who have been exposed to asbestos should tell their doctor. Inhalation of asbestos is a major cause of mesothelioma.
Imaging tests such as an MRI, CT scan, or PET scan may reveal a Pancoast tumor or signs of a mesothelioma, according to the study. WebMD.
