Upper-extremity pain disorders in breast cancer.
Upper-extremity pain is a common and debilitating problem for patients with breast cancer. Although there is considerable literature describing symptoms, little is available on the specific disorders responsible for pain and debility in these patients. Cervical radiculopathy, brachial plexopathy, neuropathy, rotator cuff tendonitis, adhesive capsulitis, epicondylitis, postmastectomy syndrome, swelling, and bone metastases are among the common disorders responsible for upper-extremity pain in breast cancer patients.


OBJECTIVE
To discuss common upper-extremity pain disorders in patients with breast cancer.
Stubblefield
Michael D
MD
Rehabilitation Medicine Service, Department of Neurology, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10021, USA. stubblem@mskcc.org
Custodio
Christian M
CM
D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000150:complications* / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007592:Joint Diseases / Q000209:etiology*; D008408:Mastectomy / Q000009:adverse effects; D010146:Pain / Q000209:etiology*; D010523:Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / Q000209:etiology*