Superior Sulcus Tumor (Pancoast Tumor)

Superior Sulcus Tumor (Pancoast Tumor) is a type of lung cancer that occurs at the very top part of the lung, near the shoulder. This tumor affects the upper chest area and can invade nearby tissues such as nerves and bones. Because of its location, it often causes shoulder pain, arm weakness, and sometimes a drooping eyelid or small pupil on one side of the face. These symptoms happen because the tumor presses on important nerves and blood vessels. The condition primarily involves the respiratory system but also impacts the nervous system due to its local spread. Early detection is important as it can affect breathing and arm function.

Superior Sulcus Tumor (Pancoast Tumor) is a malignant neoplasm located at the apex of the lung that invades adjacent structures such as the brachial plexus, subclavian vessels, and ribs. It is most commonly a non-small cell lung carcinoma, particularly squamous cell carcinoma. The tumor's infiltrative growth leads to characteristic clinical syndromes including Horner syndrome (ptosis, miosis, anhidrosis) due to sympathetic chain involvement and severe shoulder and arm pain from brachial plexus invasion. This tumor is significant because it often presents with local invasion before causing typical pulmonary symptoms, complicating early diagnosis. Imaging and histopathology confirm the diagnosis, and its management requires a multidisciplinary approach due to its complex anatomy and local spread.