Pancoast tumor diagnostic study of choice
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Mazia Fatima, MBBS [2]
Overview
Diagnostic Study of Choice
- CT scan is the gold standard test for the diagnosis of Pancoast tumor.
- The following result of CT scan is confirmatory of Pancoast tumor:[1]
- 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.


- MRI imaging should be performed for:
- Evaluation of chest wall invasion
- Examination of vascular structures and brachial plexus involvement
- Evaluation of resectability of the tumor.
Diagnostic Criteria
- Pancoast tumor may be diagnosed at any time if one or more of the following criteria are met:
- Criteria 1
- Criteria 2
- Criteria 3
References
- ↑ Purandare, NilenduC; Rangarajan, Venkatesh (2015). "Imaging of lung cancer: Implications on staging and management". Indian Journal of Radiology and Imaging. 25 (2): 109. doi:10.4103/0971-3026.155831. ISSN 0971-3026.