Surgical treatment of brachial plexus carcinoma metastasized from non-ipsilateral breast cancer

Abstract

Lesions of the brachial plexus may arise for various reasons. Metastatic carcinoma involving the non-ipsilateral brachial plexus is a relatively rare condition. This report presents the case of a 56-year-old woman with brachial plexus carcinoma metastasized from non-ipsilateral breast cancer. After admission, minute examinations were arranged, which gave support to the previous diagnosis. Extended resection of the tumor mass in- and outside the foramen was performed. One month after the operation, the sensation of the left upper extremity began to recover gradually. Due to multi-organ failure, she died 2 months post-surgery. This case underscores the need for appropriate diagnosis of brachial plexus abnormalities. In addition to the common causes, it should be noted that brachial plexus abnormalities could even occur on the contralateral side.