The Managing Lung Cancer-Related Pain: Causes, Locations & Relief Options
If you're reading this, chances are you or someone you deeply care about is facing lung cancer and the pain that sometimes comes with it. First, take a breath. We see you, we understand your concerns, and we want you to know that you're not walking this path alone.
Pain from lung cancer isn't just about physical discomfort. It can feel overwhelming, frightening, and isolating. You might find yourself lying awake at night, wondering if that ache in your chest or the sharp pain in your shoulder means something more serious. These feelings are completely natural, and it's okay to feel scared or frustrated.
The truth is, lung cancer and pain can be related in various parts of your upper body, and while this can be concerning, understanding why it happens and what you can do about it can help ease some of that worry.
Most importantly, effective pain management options are available, and you deserve to feel as comfortable as possible while focusing on your healing journey.
Let's walk through this together, exploring where lung cancer pain commonly occurs and why it happens. We’ll also figure out how you and your care team can work together to manage lung cancer and pain with proper support.
Table of contents:
Why lung cancer causes pain: Biological reasons
Lung cancer related pain: Where does it occur?
Understanding your lung cancer and pain: What you should know
4 practical ways to get relief from lung cancer and pain
The bottom line: When to see a specialist for chest pain and lung cancer?
FAQs on lung cancer and pain
Why lung cancer causes pain: Biological reasons
Understanding lung cancer and pain helps explain what your body is experiencing. As tumors grow, they press against nearby nerves, blood vessels, and organs, creating the connection between chest pain and lung cancer.
When tumors develop at the lung's top (Pancoast tumors), they affect nerves controlling arm and shoulder function. This explains why left shoulder pain and lung cancer or right shoulder pain and lung cancer occur, depending on the affected side.
Does lung cancer pain come and go? Yes. Does back pain from lung cancer come and go? Absolutely. Pain fluctuates based on breathing patterns, body position, and inflammation levels. Does shoulder pain from lung cancer come and go? It can, as nerve compression varies with movement and positioning.
When cancer spreads to bones, it weakens structures and releases pain-stimulating substances, explaining lung cancer and back pain connections. The phrenic nerve, controlling breathing, shares pathways with shoulder nerves, causing referred pain.
This interconnected system explains why upper back and shoulder pain lung cancer symptoms feel widespread, helping you understand signs better.
Lung cancer and pain: Where does it occur?
With lung cancer, constant coughing, breathing difficulties, and exhaustion are already challenging enough.
On top of that, pain in different areas of the upper body can add another layer of burden. What often makes it more complicated is the worry that this pain could mean something more serious.
So, does back pain from lung cancer come and go? The truth is lung cancer and pain is common in multiple upper-body areas.
Let’s take a look at those and understand why it happens to feel more prepared:
With lung cancer, constant coughing, breathing difficulties, and exhaustion are already challenging enough.
On top of that, pain in different areas of the upper body can add another layer of burden. What often makes it more complicated is the worry that this pain could mean something more serious.
So, does back pain from lung cancer come and go? The truth is lung cancer and pain is common in multiple upper-body areas.
Chest pain
So, is chest pain and lung cancer related? Chest pain is one of the most notable lung cancer symptoms, sometimes appearing early on or during treatment. It occurs when a tumour grows close to the lung's lining or chest wall, creating pressure on nearby nerves and tissues.
The pain might feel sharp one moment and dull the next, often getting worse with coughing, taking deep breaths, or moving around.
Moreover, treatment, including chemotherapy and radiation, can lead to chest pain. Some people notice soreness around their chemo port or where surgical drains were placed. Similarly, some feel discomfort when radiation targets the lungs or chest lymph nodes.
Back pain
Back pain in lung cancer often happens when tumours at the top of the lungs press against the spine, ribs, or nearby nerves. You might be wondering, “Does back pain from lung cancer come and go”? This pain can become more persistent and deeper when the cancer grows and spreads to the bones, especially the spine.
When cancer affects the bones, it sometimes also raises calcium levels in the blood, adding to back discomfort while also bringing on fatigue or nausea.
By understanding this link between lung cancer and back pain, patients and caregivers can easily recognise when their symptoms may need expert guidance.
Shoulder pain
Are you wondering if left shoulder pain and lung cancer have some relation? Shoulder pain can be a lesser-known symptom of lung cancer but is especially common when tumours grow near the top of the lung, known as Pancoast tumours. These tumours can affect the nerves in the upper chest and shoulder area, causing pain that may travel down the arm.
One feels a dull ache or sharp nerve pain, often becoming worse with movement or when lying on the affected side.
Does shoulder pain from lung cancer come and go? According to Medical News Today, 96% of people with Pancoast tumours report shoulder pain as one of their first symptoms.
However, it's important to know that these tumours are relatively rare, accounting for only 3-5% of all lung cancer cases. This means that there is no need to worry about shoulder pain and lung cancer being related, but getting it checked is important.
One-sided vs both-sided pain
In lung cancer, pain often appears on one side of the body, typically the side where the tumour is located. For instance, right shoulder pain and lung cancer may suggest the tumour is on the right side. However, as the disease progresses or if it spreads to other areas like the spine or ribs, pain can become more widespread or even occur on both sides.
It’s essential to pay attention to these pain patterns, especially if they don’t go away with usual treatments. While it can feel overwhelming, understanding these patterns helps in reaching out to healthcare providers with clarity and getting the proper support when it's needed most.
Understanding your lung cancer and pain: What you should know
When you're experiencing pain and wondering if it's related to your lung cancer, we know how important it is to get clear, gentle answers. Your healthcare team will start by sitting down with you to listen to what you're experiencing - every detail matters, and your voice is the most important part of this process.
Based on what you share, we may recommend some tests that can help us understand whether this relation between lung cancer and pain is true and how best to address it. These tests are tools that help us care for you more effectively.
X-rays: A chest X-ray is often the first step that looks for unusual areas in the lungs, like masses, tumours, or fluid buildup around the lungs that might be causing pain.
CT scans: These scans capture multiple images of the chest and other body parts. They detect tumours, enlarged lymph nodes, or cancer that has spread to nearby bones or organs, which may be causing chest, back, or shoulder pain.
MRI: MRIs are especially useful for spotting problems in soft tissues, nerves, and the spinal cord. They are often used if pain is felt in the back, neck, or shoulders, and may be linked to nerve compression or tumour pressure.
PET scans: These scans show how active cancer cells are throughout the body. They help spot cancer even in areas that appear normal on CT or MRI scans, which can explain unexplained or widespread pain.
4 practical ways to get relief from lung cancer and pain
Treatment options for lung cancer-related pain depend on several factors, including where the pain occurs, how severe it feels, the cancer stage, and overall health.
Healthcare providers typically combine medical treatments with supportive therapies to provide the most effective relief.
So, does lung cancer pain come and go? Yes, but here are ways for relief:
Pain medications
Doctors may recommend medications ranging from over-the-counter options like acetaminophen or NSAIDs for mild pain to more potent prescription medications like opioids for moderate to severe pain.
Some professionals may also recommend adjuvant drugs such as antidepressants for nerve-related pain or anticonvulsants for tingling or shooting pain.
It is best to take these medications as prescribed to avoid side effects.
Palliative radiation
Palliative (non-curative) radiation therapy is a lung cancer treatment used to shrink tumours that are pressing on nerves, bones, or organs. It’s also helpful in managing chest pain and lung cancer symptoms caused by tumour growth or bone metastases.
Physical therapy and movement
Staying physically active, even in small ways, can help reduce lung cancer-related pain by improving flexibility, circulation, and overall comfort. However, it is best to start with exercising under the guidance of a physiotherapist or cancer rehabilitation specialist.
Some physical activities to focus on are:
Range-of-motion exercises like shoulder rolls, arm circles, and neck tilts keep joints moving and prevent stiffness.
Stretching exercises, such as chest or spine stretches, loosen tight muscles and improve flexibility.
Gentle strength-building movements like wall push-ups or seated leg lifts support posture and reduce spinal strain.
Light aerobic activity, such as walking or stationary cycling, can improve circulation and energy levels.
Acupuncture, massage, and heat therapy
In addition to medical treatments and physical activities, some supportive therapies can help with pain, such as:
- Acupuncture: Involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body to stimulate nerves and reduce pain signals.
- Massage therapy: Helps with muscle tension, anxiety, and overall pain relief, but should be performed by a licensed therapist trained in oncology massage.
- Heat therapy: Using warm compresses or heating pads on tense areas may soothe muscle aches and improve circulation. Do check with your care team before use to avoid skin sensitivity issues.
The bottom line: When to see a specialist for chest pain and lung cancer?
Dealing with lung cancer and pain is tough, and it's something no one should have to handle alone. If back pain suddenly gets much worse or starts coming with numbness, it may signal something more serious, like spinal cord compression.
Reaching out to the care team right away is important because early intervention can prevent complications and provide peace of mind.
It's worth remembering that not all pain means the cancer is progressing. The most important thing is to stay connected with your care team and let them know how you're feeling.
With a strong healthcare team and dedicated support, managing this pain becomes more achievable and less overwhelming.
FAQs on lung cancer and pain
- Does lung cancer pain come and go?
Yes, upper back and shoulder pain of lung cancer can be constant or intermittent, depending on the tumour’s location and how it affects nerves or surrounding tissues. Some people may feel it more during specific movements or at night. If the cancer spreads, the pain may become more persistent.
- At what stage of lung cancer do you feel pain?
Pain can occur at any stage, but it is more common in advanced stages when tumours grow larger or spread to bones and nerves. With that said, even early-stage lung cancer can cause pain, especially when you cough or move around.
3. Can shoulder pain be a sign of lung cancer?
Yes, shoulder pain can sometimes be a symptom of lung cancer, mainly if a tumour is located at the top of the lung, known as a Pancoast tumour. The pain may also radiate down the arm if the tumour presses on or irritates nearby nerves. Does shoulder pain from lung cancer come and go? Yes!
4. What type of pain do you get with lung cancer?
Pain from lung cancer often shows up as a dull ache or sharp discomfort in the chest, particularly when coughing or breathing deeply. It can also spread to the back or ribs, and in fact, shoulder pain and lung cancer is common if nearby nerves or bones are affected. If the pain feels new or gets worse, it’s important to let your oncologist know.