Conservative Management of Neuropathic Pain in a Patient With Pancoast-Tobias Syndrome: A Case Report

Abstract

Pancoast-Tobias syndrome characterizes the signs and symptoms of a superior pulmonary sulcus tumor, and includes arm and shoulder pain, atrophy of intrinsic hand muscles, and ipsilateral Horner syndrome. The rarity and overall poor prognosis of patients with superior pulmonary sulcus tumors associated with Pancoast-Tobias syndrome has led to few reports detailing pain management strategies with adjunctive therapies, such as continuous infusions of ketamine and lidocaine, chemotherapy, radiation, and multimodal oral medication regimens. This case highlights the diagnosis and treatment of pain in a patient with Pancoast-Tobias syndrome.

Pancoast’s syndrome caused by lymph node metastasis from breast cancer

“…In fact, pain is often really difficult to manage and may become disabling as disease progresses 11 12. However, there is lack of reports concerning efficacy of therapies and management of pain in these patients 13…”