Sequential Supraclavicular Brachial Plexus and Stellate Ganglion Neurolysis for Upper Limb Pain in Metastatic Breast Cancer

Neuropathic pain in cancer can result in severe debilitation to a patient with limited treatment options. Interventional modalities like nerve destruction can provide relief but at the expense of motor paralysis. Sympathetic pain is often an undiagnosed and undertreated condition that may accompany cases of chronic pain. We describe a case of severe neuropathic pain in brachial plexopathy in a middle-aged woman caused by metastatic breast cancer that was managed by chemical neurolysis of brachial plexus. Residual pain was treated by neurolysis of stellate ganglion due to the presence of sympathetic pain. This case report highlights the importance of the dual nature of pain and its management by chemical neurolysis in severe refractory neuropathic and sympathetic mediated pain.