Pancoast syndrome (apical lung tumor)

About Pancoast syndrome (apical lung tumor)

A lung cancer located in the top of the lung (apex). Cancer in this location can cause a specific pattern of symptoms, because nerves that control the face and blood drainage from the face can be affected. Lung cancers in this location are usually fatal.

Symptoms

Weight loss, cough, chest pain, shoulder pain, weakness, Horner's syndrome (drooping eyelid, absence of sweating on one side of the face, sunken eyeball, small pupil on one side), redness, swelling, or purplish discoloration of the face from congested veins.

Tests & Diagnostics

A history and physical exam will be performed. Chest X-ray or CT scan can show a lung cancer. The type of cancer is determined by biopsy. Biopsy requires either bronchoscopy (a camera examination that is done by threading a cord-shaped instrument into the airway) or surgery.

Common tests: Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), CT Scan, MRI, X-ray.

Conventional treatment summary

Treatment may include: surgery, chemotherapy, and/or radiation therapy. For more information contact the American Cancer Society: (800)227-2345

Medical specialties

Cardiothoracic Surgery · Pulmonology · Oncology

This page is educational content, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified clinician for diagnosis and treatment of Pancoast syndrome (apical lung tumor).