AI Article Synopsis

  • The case report highlights radiation-induced brachial plexopathy as a rare and delayed complication that can emerge years after cancer treatment, with symptoms that can vary widely.
  • Electrodiagnostic testing is emphasized as a valuable tool for diagnosing this condition, especially when other causes are ruled out.
  • The report presents the findings from strength and dexterity assessments in a woman whose symptoms began two decades post-treatment for stage IIIA breast cancer.

Article Abstract

The aim of this case report is to inform clinicians about radiation-induced brachial plexopathy, a rare complication that often presents well after treatment with inconsistent symptoms and manifestations. It is often a diagnosis of exclusion when a neoplastic or other cause cannot be identified. Electrodiagnostic testing is particularly useful. Here, the results of a standardized grip and pinch strength assessment and dexterity test are presented in a woman whose symptoms first appeared 20 years after completing treatments for stage IIIA breast cancer.

Download full-text PDF

Source
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7543355PMC
http://dx.doi.org/10.1634/theoncologist.2019-0875DOI Listing

Publication Analysis

Top Keywords

radiation-induced brachial
8
brachial plexopathy
8
breast cancer
8
neurological dexterity
4
dexterity assessments
4
assessments woman
4
woman radiation-induced
4
plexopathy breast
4
cancer aim
4
aim case
4

Similar Publications

Radiation therapy is widely recognized as an efficacious modality for treating neoplasms located within the craniofacial region. Nevertheless, this approach is not devoid of risks, predominantly concerning potential harm to the neural structures. Adverse effects may encompass focal cerebral necrosis, cognitive function compromise, cerebrovascular pathology, spinal cord injury, and detriment to the neural fibers constituting the brachial plexus.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF
Article Synopsis
  • The ataxia-telangiectasia mutated (ATM) gene plays a crucial role in cell checkpoint signaling and repairing DNA damage, particularly double-stranded breaks.
  • A 50-year-old woman with stage IIIA breast cancer had genetic testing revealing harmful mutations in the ATM gene, making her less able to handle radiation therapy.
  • Despite guidelines suggesting that radiation treatment is safe for individuals with ATM mutations, she suffered severe side effects, including brachial plexopathy, which hadn't been previously linked to these specific mutations.
View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Evaluating massage therapy for radiation-induced fibrosis in rats: preliminary findings and palpation results.

Cancer Biol Ther

December 2024

Aging + Cardiovascular Discovery Center, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.

Radiation-induced fibrosis (RIF) is a common side effect of cancer treatment, but can manifest into a devastating syndrome for which there is no preventive measure or cure. In rats who perform a repetitive work task, who left untreated develop signs and symptoms that resemble repetitive motion disorders in humans, we have shown that manual therapy prevents the development of fibrosis and other key biomarkers. The fibrosis of RIF and repetitive motion disorders has similar biomarkers.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF
Article Synopsis
  • Diagnosing brachial plexopathy in cancer patients is challenging due to factors like tumor recurrence, metastasis, and effects of radiation therapy, which can lead to serious misdiagnoses.
  • A case study involving a 29-year-old female with a history of nasopharyngeal carcinoma revealed that her brachial plexopathy was caused by a malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor (MPNST) infiltrating the brachial plexus, leading to cord compression.
  • Understanding the causes of brachial plexopathy is vital for accurate diagnosis and treatment in cancer patients, as distinguishing between various potential causes can significantly improve patient outcomes and prevent complications.
View Article and Find Full Text PDF
Article Synopsis
  • - Radiation induced brachial plexopathy is a condition that develops slowly after radiotherapy, often showing symptoms like neuropathic pain, weakness, and dysfunction of the limbs.
  • - Symptoms can arise months to years later and significantly affect patients' quality of life.
  • - The review discusses the latest insights on treatment options for this condition, including surgical interventions such as neurolysis, nerve transfers, and vascularized free tissue transfer, aimed at helping hand surgeons stay informed.
View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Want AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?

Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!