A review of intractable facial pain secondary to underlying lung neoplasms.
We describe a 63-year-old smoker who suffered from intractable facial pain secondary to an underlying lung neoplasm. Data from 30 previously reported and similar cases are also summarized. The clinical triad of a smoker suffering from periauricular pain and an elevated ESR should alert the clinician to the possibility of an occult lung mass. In these cases a computed tomography of the chest should always be obtained. Previously refractory pain typically responds to surgical resection of the mass and/or radiation therapy.
Eross
E J
EJ
Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic Rochester, USA.
Dodick
D W
DW
Swanson
J W
JW
Capobianco
D J
DJ
D002289:Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005157:Facial Pain / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010148:Intractable Pain / Q000209:etiology*