Pancoast tumor CT

Pancoast tumor Microchapters
Home
Patient Information
Overview
Historical Perspective
Classification
Pathophysiology
Causes
Differentiating Pancoast tumor from other Diseases
Epidemiology and Demographics
Risk Factors
Screening
Natural History, Complications and Prognosis
Diagnosis
Diagnostic Study of Choice
History and Symptoms
Physical Examination
Laboratory Findings
Electrocardiogram
Chest X Ray
CT
MRI
Echocardiography or Ultrasound
Other Imaging Findings
Other Diagnostic Studies
Treatment
Medical Therapy
Surgery
Primary Prevention
Secondary Prevention
Cost-Effectiveness of Therapy
Future or Investigational Therapies
Case Studies
Case #1
Pancoast tumor CT On the Web
Most recent articles
Most cited articles
Review articles
CME Programs
Powerpoint slides
Images
American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Pancoast tumor CT All Images X-rays Echo & Ultrasound CT Images MRI
Ongoing Trials at Clinical Trials.gov
US National Guidelines Clearinghouse
NICE Guidance
FDA on Pancoast tumor CT
CDC onPancoast tumor CT
Pancoast tumor CT in the news
Blogs on Pancoast tumor CT
Directions to Hospitals Treating Type page name here
Risk calculators and risk factors for Pancoast tumor CT

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Mazia Fatima, MBBS [2]

Overview

CT scan is diagnostic of Pancoast tumor. CT scan has a limited ability to determine the extent of invasion of the primary tumor into adjoining structures when compared to MRI scan. Findings on CT scan of the chest suggestive of Pancoast tumor include invasion of brachial plexus, invasion of the chest wall and/or mediastinum, the extension of the tumor into vena cava, trachea and esophagus, subclavian-vessel involvement is assessed by contrast CT scanning.

CT Scan

• CT scan is diagnostic of Pancoast tumor, a subtype of lung cancer located at the lung apex.
• CT scan has a limited ability to determine the extent of invasion of the primary tumor into adjoining structures when compared to MRI scan.
• Chest CT scan is the modality of choice in the diagnosis of lung cancer. Findings on CT scan of the chest suggestive of Pancoast tumor include:
  • Opacity at the apex of the lung or in the superior sulcus area.
  • Spread of the tumor can result in rib invasion that is observed as bone destruction of posterior ribs.
  • Vertebral body infiltration
  • Enlargement of the mediastinum.
  • Invasion of brachial plexus
  • Invasion of chest wall and/or mediastinum
  • Extension of the tumor into vena cava, trachea and esophagus.
  • Subclavian vessel involvement is assessed by contrast CT scanning.

Irregular shaped ill defined right apical lung mass is seen invading the right aspect of D2 vertebral body with its transverse process, costovertebral junction and adjacent rib. superiorly it extends to the root of the neck.Case courtesy of Dr Ahmed Abd Rabou, rID: 27303

The chest CT scan confirms that the tumor involves the superior sulcus.Case courtesy of Dr David Cuete, rID: 23281

Spiral CT perfusion imaging

• Spiral CT perfusion study can be used as a diagnostic method for peripheral pulmonary nodules.
• Spiral CT perfusion study provides non-invasive method of quantitative assessment about the blood flow patterns of peripheral pulmonary nodules.
• Spiral CT perfusion imaging is analyzed and evaluated for:
  • TDC (time density curve)
  • Perfusion parametric maps
  • The respective perfusion parameters.
  • Immunohistochemical findings of microvessel density (MVD) measurement
  • VEGF expression

(A-H) Poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma found in the apicoposterior segment of superior lobe of the left lung of a 56 year-old male. (A) Time density curve. (B-F) (original image, BF, BV, MTT, PS) typeI parametric maps, PS value is higher (30.883). (G) CD34 staining shows many immature tumor microvessels (× 200). (H) VEGF expression is strong positive (× 400) via, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2474637/figure/F6/.