Sore chest and shoulder 5 months after radiation

Barneygirl

I have ovarian cancer that has spread to the lymph nodes in my clavicle, neck and underarm area. I had radiation to this area 5 months ago and now have soreness/pain in the area radiated. My CT scan is also showing plueral effusion in the lung on that side and thickening of the pluera. I would post this in the ovarian cancer discussion board, but radiation is not usually used for ovarian cancer. Does this sound like a common side effect? I will meet with my oncologist next week.

SIROD

Pleural Effusion
Hi Bameygirl,

I had a pleural effusion when I was diagnose with my 3rd recurrence in '08. I had widespread pulmonary & pleural metastasis. I had a VATS (video assisted thoracic surgery) that they drained the effusion. I did have ER+ bc and biopsy was needed due to the number of years between my 2nd and 3rd recurrence. I have not had another pleural effusion. In my last ct scan a lot of tumors returned in fine form, a pleural effusion was not noted.

A thoracentesis is the procedure to drain the effusion. They usually put in talc to prevent the effusion in returning. Sometimes it does regardless of that procedure. Then the option is a pigtail catheter to make the pleura easier to drain.

I am certain your oncologist will be able to inform you better than I can. Please update us.

Wishing you the very best,

Doris

PS: It could also be radiation damage (I remember another lady who I corresponded with on another forum had Pleural effusion too. We actually began both in 1994, my first recurrence was in '99 and hers was in '06. I just looked up one of her posts on this topic in the archives. I sent you a private message on this topic too.

DianeBC

I had rads and only had
I had rads and only had soreness from the very dark pink that I got, not burnt, but close. I am sorry, I don't know anything about plueral effusion. Good luck with your appointment and let us know what your onco says.


Hugs, Diane