Breast cancer recurrence in a patient with a previous history of radiation injury of the brachial plexus: a case report.

Brachial plexus injury with resultant pain and attendant impairment may occur in cancer patients from either disease recurrence or as a consequence of radiation therapy. Distinguishing between these two causes of plexus dysfunction may be difficult, but physical findings and appropriate workup may assist in diagnosis. Additionally, lymphedema may be seen as a result of surgical, radiation, or combination therapy for breast cancer. Patients typically present with arm swelling, but neurological impairment, including pain, may also be noted. This case report describes an individual who developed pain and weakness, initially from radiation injury, and later developed local disease recurrence.