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What Causes Neck Muscle Pain And Joint Pain?

Posted on Mon, 6 Apr 2015

Question: I am a 17 year breast cancer survivor. My tumor markers have always been normal. In 2013 they went up to 98 then 104. I had a bone scan-nothing, cat scan-nodule on lung and a cyst on liver. Then I had a Pet Scan and three lymph nodes lit up. Two deep in my chest and one in my groin. They removed the one in my groin. Not cancer-hyperplasia. They did not biopsy the ones in my chest. My doctor put me on aromisin in September 2013. My neck muscles hurt and I have some joint pain. Is that from the aromasin? Anyway, I had a upper respitory infection and sinusitis about one month ago. During that time one lymph node (occitpal?) swelled. It never hurt. It is still there. is that a sign of lymphoma? or breast cancer mets? I get blood work done tomorrow and see my onc. friday. I am so scared. I am tired too. I am 58, overweight.

Answered by Dr. Robert Galamaga (10 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Followup

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thanks for the query,

The aromasin can certainly cause muscle aches and joint pains. This may get better over time. If not you can ask to try an alternative medication - there are two others in the same class which should work just as well should you have issues tolerating the aromasin.

I would say that since the occipital node is still there after the respiratory infection has resolved - your doctor should examine this to see if any additional workup is warranted. Lymphoma is a remote possibility that cannot be entirely excluded yet. Since the tumor marker is rising however this is suspicious that the breast cancer is active - the aromasin should help control this for a long time,

If your doctor is concerned, he may request a biopsy of the occipital node as well.

Thanks very much for sharing your health care concerns,

Dr. Galamaga

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Robert Galamaga (13 minutes later)

My tumor markers have been in the normal range since January 2014. Is it possible that inflammation caused them to rise? Also, the lymph node I am feeling is squishy.

Answered by Dr. Robert Galamaga (2 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Followup

Detailed Answer:
Hello again,

It would be unlikely for inflammation to cause the elevation of the marker to 104 which is why your doctor decided to get you back on some treatment.

Still hard to say for sure whether this occipital node is a major concern. Your doctor will do a comprehensive lymph node exam and this will help him decide on an appropriate course of action.

Dr. Galamaga

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Robert Galamaga (19 minutes later)

Okay, I am sorry to be a pain, but how long can aromisin keep my recurrance in check? Do you think a few more years? I just don't handle this well.

Okay I am sorry to be a pain, but jow long can aromisin keep my recurrance in check. Do you think I have a few years? I did 6 positive nodes which is bad.

Answered by Dr. Robert Galamaga (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Followup

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Aromatase inhibitors can keep breast cancer under control for many years. Your doctor will likely follow your tumor markers to make sure everything is under control as well. If after some time the marker again begins to rise there are several additional treatment options that will likely keep this well controlled for a long long time.

Sincerely,

Dr. Galamaga

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar