Pancoast tumor

Pancoast tumor

Pancoast tumor (also known as a superior sulcus tumor) is a type of lung cancer that develops at the extreme apex of either the right or left lung. It is named after Henry Pancoast, an American radiologist who first described the condition.

Anterior Pancoast tumor PET

Symptoms

Pancoast tumors are unique among lung cancers in that they typically do not present with the classic symptoms of lung cancers, such as cough, shortness of breath, and chest pain. Instead, they are more likely to cause symptoms related to their location at the top of the lung, such as:

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• Horner's syndrome: This is a condition characterized by drooping of the eyelid (ptosis), constriction of the pupil (miosis), sinking of the eyeball into the face (enophthalmos), and absence of sweating (anhidrosis) on the same side of the face as the tumor.
• Shoulder pain: This is often the first symptom of a Pancoast tumor, and it can be severe. The pain typically starts in the shoulder and radiates down the arm.
• Hand weakness and atrophy: The tumor can compress the brachial plexus, a network of nerves that control the muscles of the shoulder, arm, and hand, leading to weakness and muscle wasting.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of a Pancoast tumor typically involves a combination of imaging studies, such as a chest X-ray or CT scan, and tissue sampling, such as a biopsy. The tumor's location at the top of the lung can make it difficult to detect on a routine chest X-ray, and it may be mistaken for a shadow or artifact.

Treatment

The treatment of a Pancoast tumor typically involves a combination of surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. The goal of treatment is to remove the tumor and prevent its spread to other parts of the body. However, the tumor's location at the top of the lung can make surgery challenging.

Prognosis

The prognosis for a Pancoast tumor depends on a variety of factors, including the size and stage of the tumor, the patient's overall health, and the success of treatment. In general, the prognosis is better for tumors that are detected early and can be completely removed by surgery.

See also

• Lung cancer
• Horner's syndrome
• Brachial plexus

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