Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

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?
posted on Sat, 21 Oct 2017
Twitter Thu, 2 Aug 2018 Answered on
Twitter Sat, 4 Aug 2018 Last reviewed on
Report Abuse
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.
I find this answer helpful
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Loading Online Doctors....
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.