Shoulder pain can occur because of several factors but cancer would be the last one you would think. Shoulder pain can occur due to excessive exercise, heavy lifting, injury, improper sleep posture, improper sitting posture or even due to acidity or heartburn. But lung cancer? Lungs are not even near shoulders. Can shoulder pain be a sign of lung cancer? Let’s know from an expert.
To understand the connection between shoulder pain and lung cancer, OnlyMyHealth team interacted with Dr Sanjeev Kumar, Consultant- Surgical Oncology, Manipal Hospital Gurugram.
Dr Kumar said, “Shoulder pain is a common problem, impacting many individuals worldwide. While most cases are caused by everyday wear and tear, injuries, or arthritis, However, in some rare cases, it can be a symptom of an underlying medical condition, like lung cancer.”
Connection Between Shoulder Pain And Lung Cancer
According to Dr Kumar, lung cancer rarely shows up as shoulder pain. However, in some instances, a tumour can affect your shoulder in two ways:
Nerve Compression: A large tumour might press on nerves around the lungs, causing referred pain radiating to the shoulder, arm or chest wall. Dr Kumar said this phenomenon, called referred pain, can imitate shoulder pain from other sources.
Cancer Spread: Dr Kumar said, “In advanced stages, lung cancer can spread to other parts of the body, including the bones and soft tissues around the shoulder. This direct involvement causes localised pain, weakness, and tenderness in the shoulder joint.”
Shoulder pain may occur if a lung tumour exerts pressure on a nearby nerve or if lung cancer spreads to the bones in or around the shoulder. But, need not worry, as the doctor said, these are rare cases. Deciphering the reasons of shoulder pain, Dr Kumar said, “It's important to know that shoulder pain also arises from non-cancerous causes, which include arthritis, rotator cuff tears, bursitis, and intense activity causing strain to the muscles, tendons, and ligaments, particularly if the afflicted region has a history of injury.”
Also read: Rising Lung Cancer Cases in Non-Smokers Linked to Worsening Air Quality in Metro Cities
When To Be Alarmed
While shoulder pain itself is not an ultimate sign of lung cancer, certain symptoms might raise concern and need further investigation. Dr Kumar listed down the symptoms of lung cancer.
- Pain that worsens at night or with coughing or deep breathing. This could indicate nerve compression from a tumour.
- New or unexplained weight loss, fatigue, or persistent cough are some potential symptoms of lung cancer itself.
- Shoulder pain is accompanied by other lung cancer symptoms. Shortness of breath, wheezing, blood in the sputum, or hoarseness can strengthen the concern.
If your shoulder pain becomes persistent or worsening, especially with any of the symptoms mentioned above, consider seeing your doctor the soonest. Dr Kumar said, “Early diagnosis and treatment are paramount for managing any potential lung cancer and addressing other musculoskeletal conditions effectively.”
Also read: Lung Cancer In Young Adults: What People In Their Early 20s Need To Know
Bottomline
Remember that although shoulder pain is occasionally indicative of lung cancer, there are far more prevalent causes of it. For a correct diagnosis and peace of mind, don't be afraid to seek professional medical assistance if you have any worries or notice any associated symptoms.