Can Cancers Such As Lung Cancer Cause Shoulder Pain?

Understanding Referred Pain

Referred pain occurs when pain is perceived in a location different from its source. In the case of lung cancer, the tumor can irritate nearby nerves or structures, leading to pain in the shoulder area. This phenomenon is not uncommon and can lead to confusion in diagnosis.

• Mechanism: The shoulder and the upper chest share nerve pathways. When a tumor in the lung or surrounding areas presses on these nerves or causes inflammation, the brain may interpret the pain signals as coming from the shoulder.

Lung Cancer and Shoulder Pain

Research indicates that shoulder pain can be an early sign of lung cancer, particularly in cases where the cancer is located in the upper lobes of the lungs. In some instances, shoulder pain may be the only symptom present, which can lead to delays in diagnosis (Díaz-Abad et al., 2024).

• Other Symptoms: While shoulder pain can be a significant indicator, lung cancer may also present with other symptoms such as persistent cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, and unexplained weight loss. However, these symptoms may not always be present in the early stages.

Other Cancers Causing Shoulder Pain

In addition to lung cancer, other types of cancer can also cause shoulder pain through similar mechanisms:

• Thymic Carcinoma: This rare cancer can lead to referred shoulder pain due to its proximity to the shoulder region (Dee et al., 2012).
• Hepatocellular Carcinoma: This liver cancer can present as right shoulder pain, often due to irritation of the diaphragm or surrounding structures (Tagboto, 2023).
• Renal Cell Carcinoma: Metastatic kidney cancer can also manifest as shoulder pain, sometimes mimicking arthritis (Ritch et al., 1983).

Importance of Medical Evaluation

If someone experiences unexplained shoulder pain, especially if it is persistent or accompanied by other concerning symptoms, it is crucial to seek medical evaluation. A healthcare provider can perform a thorough assessment, including imaging studies and possibly biopsies, to determine the underlying cause of the pain.