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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Itching In The Left Shoulder And Pain In The Chest?

I had open heart surgery in Aug. 2016. In Dec. of 2016 I was diagnosed with Non-Hogdkins Lymphoma. About April of 2017, during chemo, I started having an itching in my left shoulder blade. Eventually, it moved under my left armpit to my chest muscles and began aching, especially after I ate. Chemo ended in June and, after 2 Pet Scans, I am clear. It is only on my left side and it comes and goes pain wise. Today was especially bad as I woke with it and it has persisted most of the day. I have a DR. appointment with my primary doc tomorrow. What should I ask or tell him?
Sat, 4 Aug 2018
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General Surgeon,  's  Response
Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service.
I have reviewed your query and here are my thoughts.

Noted the history of Heart surgery in Aug 2016, diagnosis with Non-Hogdkin's Lymphoma in Dec 2016 and started on chemotherapy. Started with itching on left shoulder blade area, axilla and then to chest wall.
The most probable cause I can think about is Herpes zoster and the pain which you get is post-herpetic neuralgia.
Hence I would advise you to consult a Neurologist and also take a second opinion of a Dermatologist to get a proper diagnosis and have proper management.

Hope I have answered your query.
Let me know if I can assist you further.
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What Causes Itching In The Left Shoulder And Pain In The Chest?

Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service. I have reviewed your query and here are my thoughts. Noted the history of Heart surgery in Aug 2016, diagnosis with Non-Hogdkin s Lymphoma in Dec 2016 and started on chemotherapy. Started with itching on left shoulder blade area, axilla and then to chest wall. The most probable cause I can think about is Herpes zoster and the pain which you get is post-herpetic neuralgia. Hence I would advise you to consult a Neurologist and also take a second opinion of a Dermatologist to get a proper diagnosis and have proper management. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.