Apical lung tumor

Description

Pancoast syndrome or apical lung tumor. Lung carcinoma which is located on the top of the lungs (apex). Carcinoma on this location can cause specific combination of symptoms since nerves which control face and blood drainage from the face may be involved. Lung cancer on this location usually is fatal.

Symptoms

Weight loss, cough, chest pain, pain in the elbow, weakness, Horner syndrome (dropped eyelid, absence of sweating on the one side of the face, sinking of the eyeballs, narrowed pupil on the one side), redness, swelling or purpure discoloration of the skin of the face due to venous congestion.

Overview

Anamnesis will be taken and medical examination will be done. Chest X-rays or CT scan may show lung cancer. Type of the cancer is determined by biopsy. Biopsy requires bronchoscopy (examination with camera done by moving a tube through the airway) or surgery.

Tests

Complete blood count (CBC), biochemical blood analysis, CT scan, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and X-rays.

Additional analyses

Bronchoscopy, mediastinoscopy, biopsy

Specialists

Oncology, Cardiothoracic Surgery and Pulmology

Therapy

Therapy may include: surgery, chemotherapy and/or radiation.