Axillary pain as a heralding sign of neoplasm involving the upper thoracic root

Abstract

The authors report four patients with upper thoracic radiculopathies presenting with axilla pain. All patients had a malignancy affecting the upper thoracic nerve roots. Electrodiagnostic testing demonstrated abnormalities in the upper thoracic nerve root distribution; imaging demonstrated neoplasms. Pain in the armpit that is severe or progressive may be indicative of a malignant pathology, and evaluation should target the upper thoracic roots.