A pancoast tumor, also pancoast tumour (UK), is a tumor of the pulmonary apex. The growing tumor causes disruption of the sympathetic ganglion due to pressure on it.

Pancoast tumors are named for Henry Pancoast, a US radiologist, who described them in 1924 and 1932.

Symptoms

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Symptoms can include miosis (constriction of the pupils), anhidrosis (lack of sweating) and, in severe cases, a complete Horner's syndrome. In progressive cases, the brachial plexus is also affected, causing pain and weakness in the muscles of the arm and hand.

References

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• Pancoast HK. Importance of careful roentgen-ray investigation of apical chest tumors. J Am Med Assoc 1924;83:1407.
• Pancoast HK. Superior pulmonary sulcus tumor. Tumor characterised by pain, Horner’s syndrome, destruction of bone and atrophy of hand muscles. J Am Med Assoc 1932;99:1391-1396.

External links

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• Virtual Hospital
• UCSD-Xray

Pulmonology | Oncology | Eponymous diseases | Guz Pancoasta