Metastatic Breast Cancer Presenting As Neck Pain in a Pregnant Patient

• Published in: Curēus (Palo Alto, CA) CA), 2024-01, Vol.16 (1), p.e51444
• Main Authors: Chu, Eric Chun-Pu, Yun, Steve Ming Hei
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Integrative/Complementary Medicine; Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation; Preventive Medicine
• ISSN: 2168-8184; 2168-8184
• DOI: 10.7759/cureus.51444

Breast cancer metastasizing to the spine during pregnancy is a rare occurrence. A 36-year-old woman experienced persistent neck pain during the third trimester of pregnancy. The pain continued until the postpartum period, severely affecting quality of life (QOL). Physical examination revealed a restricted cervical range of motion. Spinal lesions were detected on magnetic resonance imaging. Metastatic breast cancer was confirmed through a biopsy. The patient underwent radiation therapy for spinal metastasis, chemotherapy for breast cancer, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug therapy for pain. She was referred for chiropractic care and physical rehabilitation. After six weeks of collaborative treatment, the patient experienced significant pain relief and improvement in strength, mobility, and QOL. This case report highlights the need to evaluate unexplained symptoms in pregnant and postpartum women to exclude sinister pathologies. It demonstrates the need for a multidisciplinary approach that combines oncological, chiropractic, and rehabilitative care to optimize the outcomes in patients with complex presentations.