Brachial plexopathy is a possible adverse effect of irradiating which area?

Brachial plexopathy can occur as a complication of radiation therapy when the area around the brachial plexus, which is located near the shoulder and extending down into the arm, is irradiated. The supraclavicular fossa is the anatomical region located above the clavicle and is directly adjacent to the brachial plexus, making it susceptible to damage from radiation treatment.

Radiation to the supraclavicular fossa is often part of the treatment for conditions such as breast cancer, where this area may be included in the treatment field to target lymph nodes. Accidental exposure or high doses of radiation can lead to inflammation or fibrosis of the brachial plexus nerves, resulting in pain, weakness, or paralysis in the shoulder and arm.

In contrast, other areas mentioned, such as the humerus, abdomen, and posterior fossa, do not have a direct relationship with the brachial plexus in terms of proximity and risk of radiation-induced nerve damage. The effect of radiation on these structures typically does not lead to the specific condition of brachial plexopathy since they do not involve the neural pathway affected in this condition.