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What Causes Intermittent Pain Around The Shoulder Blade?

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Posted on Thu, 25 May 2017
Question: I have recently experienced some very mild pain and soreness intetmittenly around and under my right shoulder blade. I have had some intermittent neck and low back pain for years. As a smoker trying to quit i am concerned that the shouldblade issues could be related to cancer. Is this a common symptom? I suspect it is musculoskeletal but wanted to ask. Following up with my primary next week.
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Answered by Dr. Lekshmi Rita Venugopal (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
More likely to be musculoskeletal pain

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for trusting HealthcareMagic,

Pain around shoulder blade is more commonly musculoskeletal. This happens when you overuse your arms lifting heavy objects etc.

However, rarely lung malignancies can also present with shoulder blade pain. But lung cancer will also be likely to be associated with other symptoms like a cough, weight loss, blood in sputum, breathing difficulty etc.

Since you are a chronic smoker, I definitely recommend getting a chest X-ray done when following up with your primary doctor. The chances of such lung cancer as a cause of your pain is very slim but definitely worth ruling out.

Please be advised to continue your efforts and quit smoking at the earliest.

Hope I was able to help you
Please feel free to address further questions here

Regards,
Dr.Lekshmi
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee
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Answered by
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Dr. Lekshmi Rita Venugopal

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2012

Answered : 3808 Questions

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What Causes Intermittent Pain Around The Shoulder Blade?

Brief Answer: More likely to be musculoskeletal pain Detailed Answer: Hello, Thank you for trusting HealthcareMagic, Pain around shoulder blade is more commonly musculoskeletal. This happens when you overuse your arms lifting heavy objects etc. However, rarely lung malignancies can also present with shoulder blade pain. But lung cancer will also be likely to be associated with other symptoms like a cough, weight loss, blood in sputum, breathing difficulty etc. Since you are a chronic smoker, I definitely recommend getting a chest X-ray done when following up with your primary doctor. The chances of such lung cancer as a cause of your pain is very slim but definitely worth ruling out. Please be advised to continue your efforts and quit smoking at the earliest. Hope I was able to help you Please feel free to address further questions here Regards, Dr.Lekshmi