Occult primary breast cancer presenting with brachial plexopathy: A case report
Karen L Zhao1, Yusha Liu1, Kathryn P Scherpelz2
1Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
Abstract:
Breast cancer affects about one in eight women over the course of her lifetime. Occult breast cancer, in which primary breast cancer is detected without evidence of disease in the breast itself, comprises up to 1% of new diagnoses; this is typically detected from abnormal axillary lymph nodes, and distant metastases are rare. Here, we present an unusual case of occult breast cancer presenting as upper extremity pain, edema, and weakness, with a metastatic mass to the brachial plexus being the only site of disease.
Related Concept Videos
Spinal Nerves: Plexus I
The Cervical Plexus
The cervical plexus, formed by the anterior rami of the first four...
Peripheral Arterial Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Evaluation
Arteries of the Upper Limbs
Spinal Nerves: Plexus II
The Lumbar Plexus
The lumbar plexus is situated within the lumbar region of the back and is primarily formed by the first four lumbar spinal nerves (L1 to L4). This plexus extends its branches into several nerves, including the...
Peripheral Artery Disease I: Introduction
Peripheral Artery Disease IV: Nursing Management


