Persistent Arm Pain: Could it Be Cancer?
Persistent arm pain can be frustrating, uncomfortable, and disruptive. It interferes with work, sleep, and daily activities like typing, driving, or lifting. While it’s natural to worry that persistent pain could signal something serious such as arm cancer, the reassuring truth is that this is very rare. Board-certified arm specialist Dr. Uzma Rehman at Macomb Hand Surgery helps patients understand the difference between common causes of arm pain and the rare instances when it might be related to arm cancer.
Arm pain can result from muscle strain, nerve compression, arthritis, or tendon injuries. However, because early symptoms of arm cancer can sometimes overlap with these conditions, it’s important to seek evaluation from an experienced arm specialist. Dr. Rehman offers thorough diagnostic testing and compassionate care to rule out arm cancer and identify the true source of pain.
Arm Specialist Evaluation
When a patient visits Macomb Hand Surgery with persistent arm pain, Dr. Rehman typically begins with a detailed evaluation. She asks about the duration, intensity, and nature of the pain, as well as any other symptoms such as swelling, numbness, or unexplained weight loss. These details help her determine whether the arm pain may be linked to musculoskeletal issues or, in very rare cases, to arm cancer.
In most cases, arm pain stems from overuse, inflammation, or nerve irritation—not arm cancer. Still, Dr. Rehman’s careful approach as an arm specialist ensures that no possible cause is overlooked. By conducting physical exams and ordering imaging studies such as X-rays, MRI, or CT scans when needed, she provides patients with clarity and peace of mind.
Types of Arm Cancer
Although rare, there are three main types of arm cancer that can cause arm pain: bone cancer (osteosarcoma), soft tissue sarcoma, and metastatic cancer that spreads from another part of the body. Dr. Rehman, emphasizes that these cancers account for only a very small fraction of arm pain cases.
Bone cancer (osteosarcoma) typically begins in the long bones of the arm and may cause deep, persistent pain that worsens at night or with activity. Soft tissue sarcoma can arise in muscles, tendons, or connective tissue and may cause swelling or a noticeable lump. Metastatic cancer—when cancer cells spread to the bones or soft tissue of the arm—can also lead to chronic discomfort. Dr. Rehman’s arm cancer evaluations help differentiate these conditions from far more common causes of arm pain.
Arm Cancer Symptoms
Symptoms of arm cancer often differ from those of routine injuries. In addition to pain, patients may experience swelling, warmth, or a firm mass that does not improve with rest or medication. Pain from arm cancer may not always respond to standard treatments, and it may be constant rather than activity-related.
At Macomb Hand Surgery, Dr. Rehman educates her patients about these warning signs but reassures them that arm cancer is exceedingly uncommon. She stresses that most arm pain results from conditions that are fully treatable and non-life-threatening.
Diagnostic Testing for Arm Cancer
Dr. Rehman’s Macomb County practice is equipped with advanced diagnostic tools to evaluate arm pain thoroughly. As an experienced arm specialist, she begins with noninvasive imaging to look for inflammation, fractures, or abnormal growths. If anything unusual appears, further tests—such as MRI or biopsy—may be performed to confirm or rule out arm cancer.
Her patient-first approach ensures that every single patient receives answers quickly and confidently. The goal is not only to identify or rule out arm cancer but also to find the most effective way to treat the arm pain and restore normal movement.
Other Causes of Arm Pain
In the vast majority of cases, arm pain is not related to arm cancer. Dr. Rehman explains that repetitive motion injuries, tendonitis, bursitis, or nerve compression are far more frequent causes. Conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome or pinched nerves in the neck can create radiating arm pain that mimics more serious issues.
As a highly trained arm specialist, Dr. Rehman emphasizes accurate diagnosis as the key to effective treatment. Once the true cause of arm pain is identified, she develops a customized plan that may include rest, physical therapy, or minimally invasive procedures.
Treatment Options For Arm Pain
When arm pain is caused by injury, inflammation, or nerve irritation, Dr. Rehman’s treatments are designed to reduce pain and restore mobility. She may use physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medication, or targeted injections to alleviate discomfort.
If diagnostic tests confirm or even suggest arm cancer, Dr. Rehman coordinates care with oncology specialists to ensure her patients receive comprehensive treatment. Her role as an arm specialist includes guiding patients through every step of the diagnostic and recovery process.
When to See an Arm Specialist
Persistent arm pain lasting more than a few weeks should be evaluated by an arm specialist. Dr. Rehman advises scheduling an appointment if pain worsens at night, occurs without injury, or is accompanied by swelling or weakness. While the likelihood of arm cancer remains very low, early evaluation ensures proper treatment and peace of mind.
At Macomb County Hand Surgery, Dr. Rehman’s mission as an arm specialist is to help every patient achieve relief from arm pain—whether it’s caused by injury, inflammation, or an underlying medical condition.
Reassurance and Recovery
The good news is that arm pain almost never means arm cancer. Dr. Rehman’s thorough, compassionate approach helps her patients feel informed and reassured. As a trusted arm specialist, she treats each person holistically, addressing both physical and emotional concerns associated with chronic pain.
For patients in Macomb County who experience ongoing arm pain, Dr. Rehman offers advanced treatment strategies to restore mobility and function. Her experience as an arm specialist ensures that each individual receives expert care and lasting relief.
Arm Cancer | Macomb County
If you’re living with persistent arm pain, don’t panic—but do get checked. At Macomb Hand Surgery, board-certified arm specialist Dr. Uzma Rehman provides advanced diagnostic testing to rule out arm cancer and identify the true cause of discomfort. Schedule an appointment today with experienced Macomb County arm specialist Dr. Rehman to find answers and get back to living without pain.
