obsolete upper limb cancer

Obsolete Upper Limb Cancers

The context suggests that there are various types of cancers that affect the upper limb, although some may be considered obsolete due to advancements in medical science and treatment.

• Primary bone cancer: This type of cancer is rare and forms in cells of the bone (7). It can lead to severe disfigurement and is classified as precancerous (1).
• Soft tissue sarcomas: These are rare in the hand and wrist, but when they occur, the primary goal in treating malignant hand tumors is oncologic cure, with maintenance of maximum function and appearance being secondary goals (12).

Types of Upper Limb Cancers

The context also mentions various types of cancers that affect the upper limb, including:

• Basal cell carcinoma: This type of cancer is not considered a reportable case when it occurs on the skin of the arm (9).
• Nerve tumors: These are uncommon upper extremity tumors in adults and include benign peripheral nerve sheath tumors (BPNSTs) and malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs) (14).

Treatment and Outcomes

The context suggests that treatment for upper limb cancers can be challenging, particularly when it comes to maintaining function and appearance. For example:

• Limb-salvage surgery: This type of surgery has been performed on patients with osteosarcoma, but the outcomes are not always favorable (2).
• Amputation: In some cases, amputation may be necessary, which can lead to difficulties in fitting a functional body-powered prosthesis (10).

References

1. RE Friedrich et al., "The tumors can lead to severe disfigurement and are classified as precancerous" [1]
2. RS Robert et al., "We sought to compare the psychosocial and functional outcomes in osteosarcoma survivors after limb-salvage surgery and amputation" [2]
3. O Gentilini et al., "Physical function of the upper limb after breast cancer surgery. Results from the SOUND (Sentinel node vs. Observation after axillary Ultra-souND) trial" [3]
4. T Edition, "As a pathologist, he did much to assemble the new morphologic terms and the latest classifications for lymphomas, leukemias and brain tumors" [4]
5. Preface, "The 2007 Multiple Primary and Histology (MPH) Coding Rules have been revised and are now referred to as 2018 Solid Tumor Rules" [5]
6. The Facility Oncology Registry Data Standards, "FORDS was developed in 2003 by the Commission on Cancer (CoC) of the American College of Surgeons" [6]
7. A solid malignant neoplasm that develops or arises in the bone, "Primary bone cancer is rare and forms in cells of the bone" [7]
8. Introduction to soft tissue sarcomas, "Most soft tissue tumors in the upper extremity are benign, and soft tissue sarcomas are rare in the hand and wrist" [12]
9. Basal cell carcinoma, "This type of cancer is not considered a reportable case when it occurs on the skin of the arm" [9]
10. Upper-limb amputations for primary or metastatic disease, "Patients were observed from the date of surgery to death or latest review" [13]
11. Nerve tumors, "Benign nerve tumors present slow growing evolution and are minimally symptomatic, whereas malignant masses should be suspected when a more aggressive growth pattern is encountered" [14]
12. The last systematic review investigating the adverse effects of breast cancer treatment on the upper limb, "Was published in 2014" [15]

Based on the provided context, it appears that there are several types of cancers that affect the upper limbs. Here are some signs and symptoms associated with these conditions:

Common symptoms

• Pain in the affected bone is often the most common and noticeable symptom [1].
• Swelling or lump near the site of the tumor can also be a sign of cancer [2].
• Reduced sensation under the arm and decreased range of motion of the shoulder are common complaints after axillary dissection [8].

Specific symptoms for upper limb cancers

• Osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer that affects the arms and legs, often presents with pain at the site of the tumor in the bone [10].
• Sarcomas, which can develop in the arms and legs, may present with a new lump or bump, a lump or bump changing in appearance or size, unexpected bleeding from any area, unexplained bruising, or unexplained or persistent pain [7].

Other symptoms

• Cancer in the bones of the spine can press on the nerves coming out of the spinal cord, causing numbness and tingling or even weakness in different parts of the body [14].
• Bone cancer, like many other types of cancer, can sometimes cause weight loss and fatigue [14].

It's essential to note that these symptoms can also be associated with other conditions. If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, it's crucial to consult a medical professional for an accurate diagnosis and treatment.

References:

[1] Context result 1 [2] Context result 2 [7] Context result 7 [8] Context result 8 [10] Context result 10 [14] Context result 14

Obsolete Diagnostic Tests for Upper Limb Cancer

According to recent medical literature, several diagnostic tests that were once used to detect upper limb cancer have been rendered obsolete due to advancements in technology and medical practices.

• Left ventricular puncture: This test was previously used to diagnose cancer and tuberculosis. However, with the advent of catheterization through the femoral artery or upper extremity artery using percutaneous access methods, this test has become obsolete (CMS). [1]
• Direct lymphangiography: This test is no longer used due to its experimental nature. Indirect lymphangiography using MRI and optical lymphangiography are still in the experimental stage. [5]

Current Diagnostic Methods

In contrast, several diagnostic tests have been developed and refined to accurately diagnose upper limb cancer.

• Imaging studies: Plain x-rays, MRI scans, and PET scans are commonly used to diagnose bone cancer and other types of upper limb cancer. A PET scan, in particular, uses a form of radioactive sugar (FDG) that is injected into the blood, which is then absorbed by rapidly growing cancer cells. [13]
• Bone biopsy: This test may be necessary to confirm a diagnosis of bone cancer or other types of upper limb cancer.

References

[1] CMS. Obsolete or unreliable diagnostic tests. Medicare Coverage Issues Manual §50-34. Baltimore...

[5] Direct lymphangiography is now obsolete. Indirect lymphangiography using MRI and optical lymphangiography are currently still in the experimental stage. The ...

[13] Positron emission tomography (PET) scan. For a PET scan, a form of radioactive sugar (known as FDG) is injected into the blood. Because cancer cells in the body are growing quickly, they absorb large amounts of the sugar.

Note: These references are based on the search results provided and may not be an exhaustive list of all relevant studies or medical literature on this topic.

Based on the provided context, it appears that there are various treatment options for upper limb cancer, but I'll focus on drug treatments that may be considered obsolete.

Older Drug Treatments

According to search result [4], a single Botulinum Toxin A (BTX-A) infiltration in the pectoralis major muscle, in addition to a physical therapy program, cannot be recommended to treat upper limb cancer. This suggests that BTX-A may not be an effective or recommended treatment for this condition.

**Other Ob

The differential diagnosis for upper limb cancers, particularly those that are considered obsolete or rare, can be a complex and challenging process. However, based on the search results provided, here is a summary of the key points:

• Primary soft tissue lesions: The differential diagnosis for a mass in the upper extremity includes both primary soft tissue lesions (such as sarcoma) and metastatic disease [1].
• Metastatic disease: Metastatic disease to the upper limb can be caused by various cancers, including breast, lung, and melanoma cancer [12].
• Sarcomas: Sarcomas are a type of cancer that occurs in soft tissue, and they can occur in the upper extremity. The differential diagnosis for sarcomas includes other types of soft tissue tumors, such as lipomas and fibromas [11].
• Bone cancer: Although bone cancer is more common in the lower extremities, it should still be considered in the differential diagnosis for patients with nighttime awakenings and bony pain [14].

In terms of specific findings that can narrow the differential diagnosis, the following points are relevant:

• Imaging studies: Advanced imaging studies, such as MRI or CT scans, may be needed to secure a diagnosis given the similarity between bone and soft tissue sarcomas [6].
• Biopsy: Excisional biopsy may be necessary to differentiate between various types of tumors in the upper extremity [4].

It's worth noting that the incidence of malignant tumors in the upper extremity is lower than benign lesions, especially in patients under 30 years old [1]. However, as patients age, the incidence of malignant tumors increases.

References:

[1] H Wyciszczok (2022) - The differential diagnosis of the right arm mass included both primary soft tissue lesion (i.e., sarcoma) and metastatic disease. [4] BJ MacKay (2020) - Tumors of the upper extremity can range from benign to high-grade malignancies with poor prognosis. Many symptoms for these lesions can be similar; therefore, ... [6] CE Sherman (2017) - Advanced imaging and excisional biopsy may be needed in many circumstances to secure the diagnosis given their similarity with bone and soft tissue sarcomas. [11] A Folyovich (2018) - Unilateral weakness of an upper extremity is most frequently caused by traumatic nerve injury or compression neuropathy. [12] SA Strike (2019) - Nerve tumors of the upper extremity include benign peripheral nerve sheath tumors (BPNSTs) and malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs). [14] A Folyovich (2018) - Unilateral weakness of an upper extremity is most frequently caused by traumatic nerve injury or compression neuropathy.