Pancoast's tumor

Pancoast's tumor (also known as a superior sulcus tumor) is a type of lung cancer that primarily affects the top (apex) of the lung. It is named after the American radiologist Henry Pancoast, who first described the condition in 1924.

Overview

Pancoast's tumors are unique among lung cancers in that they typically do not present with the classic symptoms of lung cancer, such as coughing and shortness of breath. Instead, due to their location at the apex of the lung, they often cause symptoms related to the invasion of surrounding structures, such as the brachial plexus, vertebral bodies, and sympathetic ganglion.

Symptoms

The most common symptom of a Pancoast's tumor is Pancoast's syndrome, which is characterized by shoulder pain radiating down the arm, weakness and atrophy of the hand muscles, and Horner's syndrome (a combination of drooping eyelid, constricted pupil, and lack of sweating on one side of the face). Other symptoms can include weight loss, fatigue, and loss of appetite.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of a Pancoast's tumor typically involves imaging studies such as a chest X-ray or CT scan, followed by a biopsy to confirm the presence of cancer cells. The tumor's location makes it difficult to reach for biopsy, and often requires a transthoracic needle aspiration or mediastinoscopy.

Treatment

Treatment for Pancoast's tumor usually involves a combination of surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. The choice of treatment depends on the size of the tumor, the patient's overall health, and whether the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.

Prognosis

The prognosis for Pancoast's tumor is generally poor, as the tumor is often advanced by the time it is diagnosed. However, early detection and treatment can improve survival rates.

See also

• Lung cancer
• Non-small cell lung carcinoma
• Small cell lung carcinoma

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