Pancoast syndrome

Pancoast syndrome is a rare condition that occurs when a tumor, most often a non-small cell lung carcinoma, grows in the upper part of the lung (superior pulmonary sulcus) and compresses nerves and blood vessels near the thoracic outlet. This compression can lead to a number of symptoms, including pain in the shoulder and arm, and may affect nearby structures such as the brachial plexus and blood vessels.

People with this condition may experience signs such as Horner's syndrome, shoulder pain that radiates down the arm in an ulnar pattern, as well as swelling and muscle wasting of the affected arm. These symptoms occur due to the tumor pressing on nerves and other structures in the chest.

Pancoast syndrome is usually caused by a malignant tumor located in the superior pulmonary sulcus. The tumor is most commonly a non-small cell lung carcinoma. This type of tumor can invade nearby tissues and structures, especially in the early stages of local invasion.

Information about treatment is currently limited for this condition.

The outlook for people with Pancoast syndrome depends largely on the stage of the cancer at the time of diagnosis. Early local invasion into bony structures and other tissues can affect the overall prognosis.

Information about research is currently limited for this condition.