Why does Pancoast tumor cause horners?

A Pancoast tumor can give rise to both Pancoast syndrome and Horner’s syndrome. When the brachial plexus roots are involved, it will produce Pancoast syndrome; involvement of sympathetic fibers as they exit the cord at T1 and ascend to the superior cervical ganglion will produce Horner’s syndrome.

What is treatment for Pancoast tumor?

Treatment for Pancoast tumors is varied and involves a combination of chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery. Pancoast tumors that have metastasized to areas beyond the chest may not be candidates for surgery. Chemotherapy and radiation are the first steps before surgery.

How long can you live with an untreated Pancoast tumor?

Earlier, Pancoast lung cancer was incurable, but thanks to the advancement in treatment, the five-year survival rate of patients with Pancoast lung cancer has been improving. On average, the five-year survival rate is around 30-50% but maybe as high as 90% if detected very early.

What is an apical lung tumor?

Pancoast tumours are cancers that start in the top part of the lung (the apex). These cancers were named after an American doctor called Professor Henry Pancoast in 1932. They are also called superior pulmonary sulcus tumours. Cancers in the top part of the lung are rare.

What is an apical lung mass?

Apical lung tumors are usually non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLC). The most common histology encountered historically in this region were squamous cell carcinomas 6,7, however, more recently, and in keeping with the overall shift in frequency, bronchogenic adenocarcinomas are now more frequently identified 8.

Can Pancoast tumor spread to brain?

Patients with Pancoast or superior sulcus tumors have been reported to have an increased occurrence of brain metastasis over non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in other locations.

Do Pancoast tumors grow fast?

Pancoast tumours are a rare condition and rapidly progressing. Often there are delays in diagnosis when aspects of clinical presentation are similar to common complaints such as cervical radiculopathy.

What is apical lung lesion?

The lesion is almost always at the extreme apex of one or both lungs (Fig. 1). It is seen as a whitish, opaque scar that stands out in contrast to the normal color of the apical visceral pleura surrounding the lesion. The portion of the apex covered by the scar varies considerably.

Are Pancoast tumors aggressive?

Pancoast tumours are a fairly rare and very aggressive lung tumour that are associated with a poor prognosis and high mortality rates.