Pancoast is a medical term that refers to a specific condition called Pancoast syndrome or Pancoast tumor. It is named after an American physician, Dr. Henry Pancoast, who first described it in 1924. Pancoast syndrome is characterized by a set of symptoms resulting from a tumor located in the superior sulcus of the lung, near the apex.
The tumor typically affects the upper region of the lung and can extend to nearby structures, such as the ribs, nerves, blood vessels, and vertebrae. Due to its location, the tumor often causes compression or invasion of these structures, leading to a distinct set of symptoms. Common symptoms associated with Pancoast syndrome include severe and persistent shoulder and arm pain, atrophy of the hand muscles, weakness or numbness in the upper limb, Horner's syndrome (a combination of symptoms, including drooping eyelid, constricted pupil, and absence of sweating on one half of the face), and sometimes, weight loss.
Pancoast syndrome is most commonly caused by lung cancer, particularly non-small cell lung cancer. However, other types of tumors, such as lymphomas or metastatic tumors, can also cause this condition. Due to the specific location and invasive nature of the tumor, Pancoast syndrome requires specialized diagnostic tests, including imaging techniques like CT scans, MRI, and positron emission tomography (PET), to accurately identify the tumor.
Treatment for Pancoast syndrome usually involves a combination of treatments, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery, based on the type and stage of the underlying tumor.
