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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Pain In Left Shoulder Area When Raising Or Extending Arm?

I am 48 years old, 150 lbs and I smoke about 10 cigarettes a day. I have been having pain in left shoulder area, just above my bra strap area. It does not hurt when I breathe in or out. But hurts when I am sleeping if I raise my arm or if my arm is extended to the side. I am fearful of lung cancer
Wed, 29 Jul 2015
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Orthopaedic Surgeon,  's  Response
Hello,

I have studied your case.

Smokers have more chance of malignancy.
You may need further investigation to rule out malignancy.
SPECT scan can detect lung cancer in early stage in cases where CT scan is normal and cancer is suspected.
You may need blood investigation like ESR, CRP, and CBC.
If all tests are normal then pain can be due to thoracic nerve compression.
MRI thoracic and cervical spine will help to see nerve compression.

Start therapy to quit smoking.

Hope this answers your query. If you have additional questions or follow up queries then please do not hesitate in writing to us. I will be happy to answer your queries.

Wishing you good health.

Take care.
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What Causes Pain In Left Shoulder Area When Raising Or Extending Arm?

Hello, I have studied your case. Smokers have more chance of malignancy. You may need further investigation to rule out malignancy. SPECT scan can detect lung cancer in early stage in cases where CT scan is normal and cancer is suspected. You may need blood investigation like ESR, CRP, and CBC. If all tests are normal then pain can be due to thoracic nerve compression. MRI thoracic and cervical spine will help to see nerve compression. Start therapy to quit smoking. Hope this answers your query. If you have additional questions or follow up queries then please do not hesitate in writing to us. I will be happy to answer your queries. Wishing you good health. Take care.