Use of Stellate Ganglion Blocks in the Treatment of Intractable Limb Pain in Lung Cancer

Over a 2-year period, six patients with lung cancer and severe, intractable upper extremity pain were evaluated for sympathetic dystrophy. Of these patients, three had symptoms and signs consistent with this diagnosis. All three of these patients obtained complete and long-lasting relief of pain after stellate ganglion block. This suggests that sympathetic dystrophy should be considered in the differential diagnosis of intractable extremity pain due to cancer.