Neuromuscular Medicine: Cancer Pain

Neuromuscular dysfunction in cancer is well recognized and is a major cause of pain and disability in this population. Injury of any segment of the neuromuscular system can lead to dysfunction and pain. Identification and characterization of the pain pattern and localization is crucial for diagnosis; however, symptoms may vary in presentation. Electrodiagnostic tools, such as nerve conduction studies (NCS) and needle electromyography (EMG), are used to differentiate and localize suspected injury to the neuromuscular system such as in radiculopathy, plexopathy, mononeuropathy, and peripheral neuropathy. There is limited evidence on the efficacy of the treatment options for neuromuscular dysfunction in the cancer patient. Treatment may be challenging, and an interdisciplinary and multimodal program is recommended.