pancoast tumor
Pronunciation: PAN-coast
Lung cancer arising in the superior sulcus that invades adjacent structures, causing characteristic neurological symptoms.
Full Definition
A Pancoast tumor, also known as a superior sulcus tumor, is a lung cancer that arises in the apex of the lung and invades adjacent structures including the brachial plexus, sympathetic chain, subclavian vessels, and ribs. These tumors present unique diagnostic and therapeutic challenges due to their location and tendency for local invasion rather than distant metastasis. Patients typically present with shoulder pain, arm weakness, and may develop Horner's syndrome due to sympathetic chain involvement. Treatment often requires multimodal therapy including neoadjuvant chemoradiation followed by complex surgical resection. The term honors American radiologist Henry Pancoast who first described the syndrome.
Usage
Usage note: Named after radiologist Henry Pancoast; capitalize the P in clinical documentation.
In Context
- "MRI confirmed a Pancoast tumor with brachial plexus involvement." — Radiology report
- "The patient's Horner's syndrome was attributed to the apical Pancoast tumor." — Clinical assessment