About Breast Cancer & Neck Pain
Breast cancer refers to cancer that originates in the duct or glands of the breast (where it is called adenocarcinomas) or the breast tissue (sarcomas). Breast cancer can affect both males and females, although primarily the latter. The cancer may be asymptomatic or may cause a lump to appear in the breast, or effect skin changes in the breast or nipple. Neck pain is not a normal symptom of breast cancer. However, bone pain, including that in the bones of the neck, may occur as a result of breast cancer treatment or bone metastasis (the spread of the primary cancer to the bones of the neck).
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Neck Pain
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Pain in the bones of the neck that occurs prior to treatment may be associated with metastases to the neck. The bones are a common site of metastases for Stage IV breast cancer, and metastases to the neck bone would cause pain there. Pain that occurs after treatment begins may also be symptomatic of bone metastases, but it may be caused by the breast cancer treatments as well. Certain chemotherapy agents and other drugs used to fight primary breast cancer may cause side effects--including bone, muscle and joint aches--which may affect the neck.
Non-Metastatic Causes of Neck Pain
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Chemotherapy agents can cause pain in the nerves, joins, muscles or ligaments. While these chemotherapy drugs usually cause pain in the lower body, including the hips and legs, they may cause pain in the bones and ligaments of the neck. Pain associated with chemotherapy usually begins during chemotherapy sessions and becomes progressively worse. It may linger for up to a year after treatment ends.
Another drug used in the treatment of breast cancer, called tamoxifen, is known to cause stiffness in the bones and joints. Again, it primarily causes the problem in the lower body, but may cause a stiff neck as well. This pain is usually similar to arthritis pain.
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Treatment for Non-Metastatic Neck Pain
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Non-metastatic neck pain is usually treated by managing the pain with painkillers and/or by building muscle strength via physical therapy that builds muscles without being strenuous on the body. Pain medications include NSAIDs (non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) or stronger pain medications like opiates and tricyclyc antidepressants. Yoga and swimming are recommended forms of exercise to deal with neck pain caused by breast cancer treatment, and heat and massage can also help alleviate the pain. These treatments generally help with the symptoms of the pain, but do not cure the pain entirely--only time can fully cure neck pain associated with breast cancer treatment.
Metastatic Neck Pain
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Pain in the bones of the neck may be a sign that the cancer has metastasized to the bone. Along with the lungs and liver, bone metastasis is common with Stage IV breast cancer. Bone metastasis can cause pain in the bones, and bone fractures. In fact, it is estimated that approximately half of all cancer-caused bone fractures occur as a result of bone metastasis, with breast cancer as the primary variety.
Treatment for Metastatic Neck Pain
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Metastatic breast cancer is incurable, but its progression can be slowed or managed, and the symptoms, including neck pain, can be treated Laser-beam radiation on the affected bones has been proven effective at reducing pain in approximately 85 percent of patients with bone metastasis. Bisphosponates, a new drug, show promise in helping to keep calcium levels normal; slow or stop the destruction of bone by cancer cells; and extend survival time. Tamoxifen is another drug used to help reduce the spread of cancer cells in the bones. NSAIDs or other pain relievers are also used to manage neck pain or other pain associated with bone metastasis.
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