Pancoast tumor CT

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 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:^[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.

• 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:^[2]
  • TDC (time density curve)
  • Perfusion parametric maps
  • The respective perfusion parameters.
  • Immunohistochemical findings of microvessel density (MVD) measurement
  • VEGF expression

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