A Case of Lower Trunk Brachial Plexopathy by Metastasis of Nasopharyngeal Cancer

J Korean Assoc EMG Electrodiagn Med 2004;6(2):197-202.
Published online May 10, 2004.

Abstract

Neoplastic diseases affecting the brachial plexus are categorized into two forms, primary brachial tumors and secondary neoplastic disease. Primary brachial plexus tumors are considerably less common than the secondary forms and are usually benign. Whereas secondary neoplastic disease of the brachial plexus is unfortunately the most common form of brachial plexus tumor and all types are malignant. The two major sources of these tumors arise from primary or metastatic disease to the upper lobe of the lung and breast tissue. Additionally skin, pancreas, larynx, colon, urinary bladder and testis were reported as the sources. Herein we report a rare case of the lower trunk brachial plexopathy induced by metastatic nasopharyngeal cancer, which was confirmed by tumor biopsy.

Key Words: Brachial plexopathy, Neoplastic plexopathy, Nasopharyngeal cancer, Metastasis, Electromyography