Lung cancer metastasis to the scapula and spine: a case report
2008

Lung Cancer Metastasis to the Scapula and Spine: A Case Report

Sample size: 1 publication Evidence: low

Author Information

Author(s): Demetrious James, Demetrious Gregory J

Primary Institution: Private practice, Wilmington, NC, USA; Post-graduate faculty, New York Chiropractic College, Seneca Falls, NY, USA

Hypothesis

Can musculoskeletal symptoms indicate undiagnosed lung cancer?

Conclusion

Musculoskeletal symptoms may be the first sign of primary or metastatic lung cancer.

Supporting Evidence

  • Musculoskeletal symptoms are commonly encountered in chiropractic practice.
  • Primary lung cancer may be unidentified, and musculoskeletal symptoms may reflect the first sign of primary or metastatic pulmonary disease.
  • The patient was diagnosed with lung cancer after presenting with shoulder pain.
  • Diagnostic imaging revealed metastatic disease affecting the scapula and spine.

Takeaway

Sometimes, when people have pain in their shoulders, it could be a sign of something really serious like lung cancer, even if they didn't know they had it.

Methodology

Case report detailing the clinical presentation, diagnostic imaging, and outcomes of a patient with shoulder pain and lung cancer.

Limitations

The study is based on a single case report, limiting generalizability.

Participant Demographics

76-year-old male with a history of smoking.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1746-1340-16-8

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