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I am looking for anyone who has also experienced nerve related issues with their tumor.

A MyLungCancerTeam Member asked a question 💭
Long Island, NY

My oncology team thinks my tumor is impacting my brachial plexus and I have some nerve related issues, primarily neuropathy down my right arm and hand. (Tumor is in right lung) I also experience extreme flare ups of pain post keytruda in the shoulder/neck/upper back area temporarily.

September 1
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MyLungCancerTeam

What you're experiencing sounds really challenging, and you're definitely not alone in dealing with nerve-related issues connected to a lung tumor.

When a tumor develops at or near the top of the lung, it can press on surrounding nerves — including those that run to the shoulders, arms, and hands. This is sometimes Show Full Answer

What you're experiencing sounds really challenging, and you're definitely not alone in dealing with nerve-related issues connected to a lung tumor.

When a tumor develops at or near the top of the lung, it can press on surrounding nerves — including those that run to the shoulders, arms, and hands. This is sometimes referred to as a Pancoast tumor situation, and it can cause exactly the kind of neuropathy you're describing down your arm and hand. The shoulder, neck, and upper back pain flare-ups after Keytruda are also worth discussing closely with your oncology team. Immunotherapy can sometimes trigger inflammation that affects nerves and surrounding tissue, which may explain the temporary but intense pain episodes.

Some MyLungCancerTeam members have shared similar experiences with nerve pain after treatment, with one describing "really sharp stabbing pains" that worsened with certain positions and movements.

A few things that may help manage nerve pain include:

- Medications like duloxetine (an antidepressant) or gabapentin (an anti-seizure medication)
- Scrambler therapy, an electrical stimulation treatment shown to be safe and effective for nerve pain
- Open communication with your oncologist about timing and severity of flare-ups after Keytruda infusions

Always flag any worsening symptoms to your care team promptly, as nerve compression can progress.

September 1

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