Pancoast Tumors: Persistent Diagnostic Challenge. (31st August 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Feneis, Jennifer; Stark, Paul
• Is Part Of: Contemporary diagnostic radiology. Volume 40:Number 18(2017:Aug. 31)
• Publication Date: 2017-08-31
• Subjects: Pancoast Tumors -- Clinical Features of Pancoast Tumors -- Imaging of Pancoast Tumors -- Treatment of Pancoast Tumors -- Anatomy of Thoracic Inlet; Medical radiology -- Periodicals; Diagnosis, Radioscopic -- Periodicals; Diagnosis -- Periodicals; Radiology -- Periodicals; Diagnosis, Radioscopic; Medical radiology; Periodicals; 616.0757
• DOI: 10.1097/01.CDR.0000524400.59845.da
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0149-9009

Abstract

Abstract : Superior pulmonary sulcus tumors, also called Pancoast tumors, represent a rare subset of bronchogenic carcinoma and account for 5% of all primary lung cancers. They represent a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge due to their atypical clinical presentation, which often results in a delayed initial diagnosis and complicated anatomic relationship of the neoplasm with the surrounding structures. This article reviews the anatomy of the thoracic inlet and the clinical and imaging features of this unusual manifestation of bronchogenic carcinoma, including conventional radiographic features and the CT and MR characteristics. It also discusses the diagnostic algorithm, the therapy, and the prognosis of patients afflicted with a Pancoast tumor, emphasizing the contribution of imaging to the diagnostic and planning process.