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Pancoast Tumor

Lung cancer located in the apical sulcus of the lung that invades adjacent structures.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Last updated:

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Göğüs Hastalıkları department. Book Appointment →

What is Pancoast Tumor?

Pancoast tumor is a primary lung cancer subtype located in the apical segment of the lung that invades adjacent structures (brachial plexus, sympathetic chain, first-second ribs, upper vertebrae). It generally has non-small cell lung cancer histology.

The tumor compresses the upper brachial plexus, causing arm pain and weakness, leads to Horner's syndrome (ptosis, miosis, anhidrosis) with sympathetic chain involvement, and causes severe shoulder pain by invading ribs. These findings are known as the classic Pancoast syndrome.

Diagnosis is generally late. Treatment is multimodal: neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy followed by surgical resection provides the best results.

Symptoms

Severe shoulder pain
Arm and hand weakness
Horner's syndrome
Brachial plexus signs
Back pain
Weight loss
Cough (in late stages)

Risk Factors

Smoking
Asbestos exposure
Occupational carcinogens
Family history
Advanced age
Chronic lung disease
Radon exposure

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • Chronic shoulder pain and arm weakness
  • Findings of Horner's syndrome
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Detection of apical lung mass

Treatment Methods

01
Neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy
02
Surgical resection (en bloc)
03
Adjuvant therapy
04
Pain management (opioids, nerve blocks)
05
Multidisciplinary approach
06
Palliative radiotherapy (in inoperable cases)

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Göğüs Hastalıkları department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

Learn About Göğüs Hastalıkları Department

Let us help you

You can make an appointment with our specialists or contact us for your concerns.

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Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.