Pancoast's syndrome

Pancoast's syndrome or Pancoast tumor is a rare type of lung cancer that develops at the top (apex) of the lung. It is named after the American radiologist Henry Pancoast, who first described the condition in 1924.

Symptoms

The symptoms of Pancoast's syndrome are different from other forms of lung cancer because of the tumor's location at the top of the lung. The most common symptoms include severe shoulder pain, arm and hand pain, and Horner's syndrome, which includes drooping of the eyelid, small pupil, and lack of sweating on one side of the face.

Causes

Pancoast's syndrome is caused by a non-small cell lung cancer that grows in the lung's upper lobes and invades the nearby tissues. This includes the lower part of the brachial plexus, a network of nerves that control the shoulder, arm, and hand, and the sympathetic nervous system, which controls the sweat glands and blood vessels in the face and eyes.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of Pancoast's syndrome involves a physical examination, imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs, and a biopsy to confirm the presence of cancer cells.

Treatment

Treatment for Pancoast's syndrome typically involves a combination of radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and surgery to remove the tumor. The choice of treatment depends on the size and location 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 syndrome depends on several factors, including the stage of the cancer at diagnosis, the patient's overall health, and the success of treatment. Early detection and treatment can improve the prognosis.

See also

• Lung cancer
• Non-small cell lung carcinoma
• Horner's syndrome
• Brachial plexus
• Sympathetic nervous system

NIH genetic and rare disease info

• NIH info on Pancoast's syndrome

Pancoast's syndrome is a rare disease.

Pancoast's syndrome Resources
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