- By Prerna Targhotra
- Thu, 07 Nov 2024 05:50 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Shoulder Pain And Lung Cancer: A typical ailment that many people have at some point in their lives is shoulder pain. The majority of shoulder discomfort cases are benign and go away with rest or simple therapy, regardless of the cause such as muscle strain, bad posture or an injury. Nonetheless, for certain people shoulder pain may indicate a more severe underlying medical condition such as lung cancer. Although coughing, dyspnoea and chest pain are the most common respiratory symptoms of lung cancer, the disease can also occasionally present in non-respiratory or atypical ways.
In a conversation with Jagran English, Dr Prashant Saxena, Senior Director & Unit Head Pulmonology and Sleep Medicine, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram explained how shoulder pain can be a warning sign of lung cancer in certain individuals.
Is Shoulder Pain Warning Sign Of Lung Cancer?
According to Dr Saxena, shoulder pain, a common symptom among many people, may seem unrelated to lung cancer, but it can serve as an unexpected warning sign of this serious condition. In lung cancer cases, tumours can grow and invade nearby structures, including nerves that branch out to the shoulder region. If a tumour is located at the apex of the lung, it can irritate the network of nerves that supply the shoulder and arm leading to shoulder pain.
Additionally, lung cancer can cause pleural effusion, where fluid accumulates in the pleural space surrounding the lungs. This fluid buildup can press on surrounding nerves, contributing to discomfort in the shoulders. Metastatic cancer can spread to other structures beyond the lungs, such as bones, which may involve the shoulder and cause pain.
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Warning Signs Of Lung Cancer (Image Credits: Canva)
It’s important to recognize that shoulder pain as a symptom can easily be overlooked, especially when attributed to more common causes such as muscle strain or injury. However, if shoulder pain is persistent and accompanied by other symptoms such as unexplained weight loss, persistent cough, blood in sputum or shortness of breath, it may warrant further investigation.
Patients should consult healthcare professionals if they experience unexplained shoulder pain, particularly in conjunction with other respiratory symptoms. Early diagnosis can significantly improve outcomes in lung cancer treatment, making it essential to pay attention to even seemingly unrelated warning signs.