Answer
Answer
Noninvasive preoperative evaluation of the mediastinum with CT or MRI is limited by substantial false-positive and false-negative results (30-40%, depending on the criteria used to define enlarged lymph nodes and the patient population). Positron emission tomography (PET) scanning and, possibly, surgical assessment of the mediastinum with lymph node sampling should be strongly considered before curative surgery is attempted.
Did this answer your question?
Additional feedback? (Optional)
Thank you for your feedback!
Media Gallery
-
Pancoast tumor. A 53-year-old man with a 50 pack-year history of smoking began experiencing upper back pain for several weeks. PA chest radiograph shows asymmetry of the apices (superior sulcus). The right apex is more opaque than the left. When the image is enlarged, the partially destroyed second and third right posterior ribs near the costovertebral junction can be seen.
-
Pancoast tumor. Axial nonenhanced CT image of the upper dorsal spine demonstrates a soft tissue mass destroying the vertebra on the right and the right posterior elements, including the pedicle and part of the posterior spinous process.
-
Pancoast tumor. Sagittal fast spin-echo T2-weighted MRI shows collapsed vertebrae and cord compression at C7, T1, and T2 caused by a soft tissue mass.
-
Pancoast tumor. Sagittal gradient-echo T2-weighted MRI demonstrates a soft tissue mass involving C7, T1, and T2, with collapse of the vertebrae and moderate cord compression.
-
Pancoast tumor. Axial T1-weighted image shows cord compression caused by a large, enhancing mass. The right subclavian artery is not involved.
of
5
