Upper-extremity pain is a common and debilitating problem for patients with breast cancer. Although there is considerable literature describing symptoms, little is available on the specific disorders responsible for pain and debility in these patients. Cervical radiculopathy, brachial plexopathy, neuropathy, rotator cuff tendonitis, adhesive capsulitis, epicondylitis, postmastectomy syndrome, swelling, and bone metastases are among the common disorders responsible for upper-extremity pain in breast cancer patients.
Overall article objective: To discuss common upper-extremity pain disorders in patients with breast cancer.