Neoplastic Brachial Plexopathy Follow-up

  • Author: Mark A Wren, MD, MPH; Chief Editor: Robert H Meier III, MD   more...
 
Updated: Jan 19, 2010
 

Further Inpatient Care

  • Further inpatient care is needed if more invasive procedures are performed or if medical complications need to be monitored during radiation or chemotherapy.
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Further Outpatient Care

  • Routine follow-up care is necessary for monitoring the patient's condition and titrating medications.
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Complications

  • Potential complications of NBP include rapid progression of symptoms with disabling pain, edema, muscle contractures, or bony deformities. Most patients with secondary neoplasms succumb to metastatic involvement of vital organs within a few years.
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Prognosis

  • Most patients with benign primary neoplasms have a good prognosis, while patients with malignant primary neoplasms have a less favorable prognosis, regardless of therapy performed. For secondary neoplasms, most patients succumb to death within a few years from metastases to vital organs. On the other hand, preservation of some function and provision of adequate analgesia may be realistic goals for many patients.
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Patient Education

  • See the Rehabilitation Program section above.
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Contributor Information and Disclosures
Author

Mark A Wren, MD, MPH  Medical Director, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital of Texarkana

Mark A Wren, MD, MPH is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, American Association of Neuromuscular and Electrodiagnostic Medicine, American Medical Association, and Texas Medical Association

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Specialty Editor Board

Robert J Kaplan, MD  James E Van Zandt VA Medical Center, Staff Physician, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine

Robert J Kaplan, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Association of Academic Physiatrists, and Physiatric Association of Spine, Sports and Occupational Rehabilitation

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD  Senior Pharmacy Editor, eMedicine

Disclosure: eMedicine Salary Employment

Michael T Andary, MD, MS  Residency Program Director, Professor, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine

Michael T Andary, MD, MS is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, American Association of Neuromuscular and Electrodiagnostic Medicine, American Medical Association, and Association of Academic Physiatrists

Disclosure: allergan Honoraria Speaking and teaching; Pfizer Honoraria Speaking and teaching

Kelly L Allen, MD  Regional Medical Director, IMX-Medical Management Services

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Chief Editor

Robert H Meier III, MD  Director, Amputee Services of America; Active Medical Staff, Presbyterian/St Luke's Hospital, Spalding Rehabilitation Hospital, Select Specialty Hospital; Consulting Staff, Kindred Hospital

Robert H Meier III, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and Association of Academic Physiatrists

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

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