title: Pancoast (superior sulcus) tumors.
abstract: Primary carcinomas arising in the apex of the lung (Pancoast tumors) have attracted attention because of the characteristic syndrome that is produced by local extension into the chest wall and the brachial plexus. This article reviews the history of the treatment of this disease, the natural history of untreated patients, and the diagnosis of Pancoast tumors. The published data on results, prognostic factors, and technical aspects of treatment with combined irradiation and operation are examined, as well as those pertaining to treatment with irradiation alone.
authors.affiliation: Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, USA.
authors.forename: F C
authors.initials: FC
authors.lastname: Detterbeck
mesh_terms: D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D018450:Disease Progression; D006801:Humans; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; D010166:Palliative Care; D010178:Pancoast Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D011379:Prognosis