Delaying the correct diagnosis of breast cancer mets in the upper arm bone was that the patient had a history of upper arm pain from a musculoskeletal cause.
One of my sisters was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer several years ago.
At some point following the completion of her conventional treatment, she was given the “all clear” or NED: no evidence of disease.
She went at least five years without any detected abnormalities.
Then she began developing pain in an upper arm.
But this was nothing new; this area had a history of musculoskeletal problems; she’d even had surgery involving the labrum.
The labrum is a ring of cartilage that lines the shoulder socket, also called the glenoid, and helps stabilize the shoulder joint.
She had damaged it from playing golf.
Nevertheless, when the pain began kicking up again, she naturally and logically assumed it had something to do with the joint’s past troubles.
So did her regular doctor. My sister was given conservative treatment, but the pain persisted.
Then it finally occurred to her to request an X-ray to see if the breast cancer had spread to her bones.
She told me that her doctor should’ve ordered an X-ray at the very beginning, since her medical records showed a history of breast cancer.
When a breast cancer survivor has new-onset pain in a limb – even if there’s a history of soft-tissue surgery or soft-tissue injury and pain in that area – the physician should know to immediately order an X-ray to see if there might be breast cancer bone mets!
This is what my sister told me when I inquired how the bone mets had been discovered.
My sister then added, “It got past even me; as a doctor myself I should’ve realized the pain could be from bone mets.”
My sister had been a practicing pediatrician for many years.
Yes, she should’ve considered that possibility, but it’s amazing how – pardon the cliché – “hindsight is 20/20” in this situation.
I wrote this article so that breast cancer survivors who’ve been apparently clear of their disease for years will insist upon an X-ray if they experience what seems to be an old soft-tissue injury “acting up.”
Even if you’ve had multiple surgeries on a bad rotator cuff or bum knee, and once again you’re experiencing pain or soreness near the joint – insist upon that X-ray!
My sister’s breast cancer bone metastases were outright misdiagnosed.
Imaging for Bone Mets
An X-ray can sometimes detect bone mets.
X-rays are not always the most effective method for identifying early-stage or small bone metastases.
My sisters’ were early stage, though, and luckily, the X-rays clearly revealed them.
X-rays can miss smaller or early bone metastases and may not always provide a clear picture of the extent of the disease.
CT and MRI scans, plus bone scans, can also be used if X-rays don’t show anything concerning.
My sister told me that had the bone mets been discovered sooner (the diagnosis was delayed by several months), it would not have changed her treatment (a daily drug to be taken for the rest of her life).
However, did it change her prognosis? We’ll never know. Currently, the drug is shrinking the tumors in her upper arm, vertebral column and leg — as indicated by scans every three months.
Additional Information: Why Aren’t Brain Scans Routine for BC Bone Mets?
New Technology Tracks Residual Cancer DNA
Lorra Garrick has been covering medical, fitness and cybersecurity topics for many years, having written thousands of articles for print magazines and websites, including as a ghostwriter. She’s also a former ACE-certified personal trainer.
