Is shoulder pain from lung cancer always caused by a tumor pressing on nerves?
Not always. There are a few different reasons someone with lung cancer might experience shoulder pain, even when it's not directly caused by a tumor pressing on a nerve.
One common cause is bone metastasis — when cancer cells spread to the Show Full Answer
Is shoulder pain from lung cancer always caused by a tumor pressing on nerves?
Not always. There are a few different reasons someone with lung cancer might experience shoulder pain, even when it's not directly caused by a tumor pressing on a nerve.
One common cause is bone metastasis — when cancer cells spread to the bones. This can create small holes in the bone structure (called lytic lesions), which can lead to significant pain in the shoulders, back, and chest.
Another cause is related to the lining of the lungs (pleura). When tumors develop on the pleura, they can put pressure on the chest cavity, which can radiate pain into the shoulders. Some MyLungCancerTeam members have described their shoulder pain in different ways, including:
- Sharp or extreme pain in the shoulder and hand
- Pain running down both shoulders and arms
- Numbness, tingling, and weakness in the arm
- Pain that's worse when lying down or resting
It's really important to let your care team know about any shoulder pain, especially if it's new, worsening, or affecting your sleep and daily life. They can help identify the cause and find the right pain management approach for you.
April 23
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