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Pleural thickening . Shoulder and arm pain is it related

Dizzy59
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I have had shoulder and arm pain for some 6 weeks ormore now. Went for xray .was told nothing fou d as to why i have pain.

But gp noticed pleural thivkening bilatetl on the pleura at top.

 Of lungs.

I was asked to go for another xray still wauting for results. Now i should not but i did google. Seems a few things csn cause pleural thickening but only one ie cancer can csuse shiulder and arm pain too.. any informatipn woukd be helpful. I have cough ive had about  3-4 weeks. I dont smoke.i have had pnumonia in the past about 5 years ago. And blood clot in that left lung. But i dont feel short of breath but shoulder and arm are so painful.

  • Dear Dizzy59,

    Thank you for getting in touch and welcome to our online community, I hope you find it supportive. My name is Jo and I am one of the Cancer Information Nurse Specialists on the Macmillan Support Line.

    I’m sorry you have symptoms and are worried you may have cancer. As nurses on this platform, we are not able to offer an opinion or make a diagnosis from your symptoms. Although many people would share your worries most would find their symptoms were caused by another illness or condition.

    You have done the right thing by going to your GP to get your symptoms checked out. Waiting for results of tests can be difficult. You could contact your GP surgery today to see if your x ray results are available.

    The first strategy in managing anxiety when related to health, is to refrain from looking for information online.  Whilst the internet can offer a wealth of information at our fingertips, it has no filter, and we often find ourselves in dark and scary places that are irrelevant to our circumstances. Some information can be confusing and upsetting. This will feed the anxiety even more.

    Anxiety UK have some useful resources and strategies for managing anxiety.  You may also benefit from talking to someone about your fears and worries.  Your GP would be best placed at looking at local services to support you with this.

    I hope this information is helpful but if you have any more questions please don’t hesitate to get back in touch.

    Best wishes,

     

    Jo, Cancer Information Nurse Specialist 

     

    You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or email us. 

    Ref/JL/HB

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