Computed tomography of pancoast tumor

Computed tomography (CT) and chest radiography of 14 patients with Pancoast tumor were reviewed. The cross-sectional format and superior contrast resolution of CT demonstrated the relationship of the tumor to significant adjacent structures (ribs, vertebral bodies, root of spinal nerves, mediastinum and brachial plexus) better than conventional chest radiographies. CT provided additional information to the latter technique in all patients studied. An accurate assessment of the local extent of tumor was also provided by CT. Our study suggests that the obliteration of the fat plane between scalene muscles on CT indicates the tumor invasion of the brachial plexus. CT is useful in the evaluation of the patient with Pancoast tumor. (author)