Description
A lung cancer located in the top of the lung (apex). Cancer in this location can cause a specific pattern of symptoms, because nerves that control the face and blood drainage from the face can be affected. Lung cancers in this location are usually fatal.
Symptoms
Weight loss, cough, chest pain, shoulder pain, weakness, Horner's syndrome (drooping eyelid, absence of sweating on one side of the face, sunken eyeball, small pupil on one side), redness, swelling, or purplish discoloration of the face from congested veins.
Tests
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. Chest X-ray or CT scan can show a lung cancer. The type of cancer is determined by biopsy. Biopsy requires either bronchoscopy (a camera examination that is done by threading a cord-shaped instrument into the airway) or surgery.
Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), CT Scan, Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), X-ray
Other Specific Tests: Bronchoscopy, mediastinoscopy, biopsy
Specialists:
Cardiothoracic Surgery, Pulmonology, Cancer Care (oncology)
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. Chest X-ray or CT scan can show a lung cancer. The type of cancer is determined by biopsy. Biopsy requires either bronchoscopy (a camera examination that is done by threading a cord-shaped instrument into the airway) or surgery.
Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), CT Scan, Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), X-ray
Other Specific Tests: Bronchoscopy, mediastinoscopy, biopsy
Specialists:
Cardiothoracic Surgery, Pulmonology, Cancer Care (oncology)
Treatment
Treatment may include: surgery, chemotherapy, and/or radiation therapy.