Pancoast tumor diagnostic study of choice

Pancoast tumor Microchapters
Home
Patient Information
Overview
Historical Perspective
Classification
Pathophysiology
Causes
Differentiating Pancoast tumor from other Diseases
Epidemiology and Demographics
Risk Factors
Screening
Natural History, Complications and Prognosis
Diagnosis
Diagnostic Study of Choice
History and Symptoms
Physical Examination
Laboratory Findings
Electrocardiogram
Chest X Ray
CT
MRI
Echocardiography or Ultrasound
Other Imaging Findings
Other Diagnostic Studies
Treatment
Medical Therapy
Surgery
Primary Prevention
Secondary Prevention
Cost-Effectiveness of Therapy
Future or Investigational Therapies
Case Studies
Case #1
Pancoast tumor diagnostic study of choice On the Web
Most recent articles
Most cited articles
Review articles
CME Programs
Powerpoint slides
Images
American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Pancoast tumor diagnostic study of choice All Images X-rays Echo & Ultrasound CT Images MRI
Ongoing Trials at Clinical Trials.gov
US National Guidelines Clearinghouse
NICE Guidance
FDA on Pancoast tumor diagnostic study of choice
CDC onPancoast tumor diagnostic study of choice
Pancoast tumor diagnostic study of choice in the news
Blogs on Pancoast tumor diagnostic study of choice
Directions to Hospitals Treating Type page name here
Risk calculators and risk factors for Pancoast tumor diagnostic study of choice

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Mazia Fatima, MBBS [2]

Overview

CT scan is the gold standard test for the diagnosis of Pancoast tumor. MRI imaging should be performed for evaluation of chest wall invasion, examination of vascular structures and brachial plexus involvement, evaluation of resectability of the tumor.

Diagnostic Study of Choice

CT scan

• CT scan is the gold standard test for the diagnosis of Pancoast tumor.
• The following result of CT scan is confirmatory of Pancoast tumor:
  • Opacity at the apex of the lung or in the superior sulcus area.
  • Spread of the tumor can result in rib invasion that is observed as bone destruction of posterior ribs.
  • Vertebral body infiltration
  • Enlargement of the mediastinum.
  • Invasion of brachial plexus
  • Invasion of chest wall and/or mediastinum
  • Extension of the tumor into vena cava, trachea, and esophagus.
  • Subclavian vessel involvement is assessed by contrast CT scanning.

Irregular shaped ill defined right apical lung mass is seen invading the right aspect of D2 vertebral body with its transverse process, costovertebral junction and adjacent rib. superiorly it extends to the root of the neck. Case courtesy of Dr Ahmed Abd Rabou, rID: 27303

The chest CT scan confirms that the tumor involves the superior sulcus.Case courtesy of Dr David Cuete, rID: 23281

MRI

• MRI imaging should be performed for:
  • Evaluation of chest wall invasion
  • Examination of vascular structures and brachial plexus involvement
  • Evaluation of resectability of the tumor.

Diagnostic Criteria

• Pancoast tumor may be diagnosed at any time if the following criteria are met:
  • Tumor localized to the superior sulcus of the lung