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I’m Told That Many Pancoast Or Other Tumors Would Generally

Posted on Fri, 10 May 2019

Question: I’m told that many Pancoast or other tumors would generally be found incidentally as a result of a shoulder x Ray?

Can you confirm?

My dr said bursitis or impingement in shoulder but I always worry about cancer. They took three or four different X-ray or angles of the shoulder.

Thanks always worried

Follow up: Dr. Vivek Chail (0 minute later)

I’m told that many Pancoast or other tumors would generally be found incidentally as a result of a shoulder x Ray?

Can you confirm?

My dr said bursitis or impingement in shoulder but I always worry about cancer. They took three or four different X-ray or angles of the shoulder.

Thanks always worried

Answered by Dr. Vivek Chail (6 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Please send xrays

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for writing in.

Pancoast tumour is a type of lung cancer involving the apical segment.

It can be incidental as you mentioned but can also be suspected in individuals with Horner's syndrome. Cancer symptoms like fatigue and weight loss are also found.

Regarding xrays, we look for any abnormal shadow in the upper lobe apical segment area in chest xrays.

Please send your xray images and I will have a look and proceed with my findings. Usually a chest xray is needed for confirmation. However we can also try to look for a Pancoast tumour on shoulder xrays.

Regards,

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Answered by Dr. Vivek Chail (0 minute later)

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Vivek Chail (46 minutes later)

With no weight loss or fatigue or no pain down arm would it be unlikely? Thanks

Follow up: Dr. Vivek Chail (0 minute later)

With no weight loss or fatigue or no pain down arm would it be unlikely? Thanks

Answered by Dr. Vivek Chail (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
No weight loss and fatigue make Pancoast unlikely

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for writing in.

With no weight loss or fatigue the chances of Pancoast are less likely or near unlikely.

It will help to know if you are a smoker.

Regards,

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Answered by Dr. Vivek Chail (0 minute later)

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Vivek Chail (13 hours later)

I’m 69 and quit 25 years ago averaged 12 cigs a day for 28 years

Follow up: Dr. Vivek Chail (0 minute later)

I’m 69 and quit 25 years ago averaged 12 cigs a day for 28 years

Answered by Dr. Vivek Chail (11 hours later)

Brief Answer:
If you quit 28 years ago then the relative risk is less

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for writing in to us.

If you quit 28 years ago then the relative risk is less. Please do not panic about cancer if you got no symptoms.

regards,

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng