intra-thoracic infiltration
Last reviewed 01/2018
Intra-thoracic invasion by tumours results in symptoms and signs according to the location of the tumour:
Apex:
- Horner's syndrome due to sympathetic ganglion invasion by a Pancoast's tumour
- rib destruction
- arm pain and weakness due to brachial plexus invasion
Left hilum:
- hoarseness due to recurrent laryngeal nerve invasion
Mediastinum:
- cardiac tamponade or pericardial invasion
- arrhythmias
- dysphagia due to oesophageal invasion
- diaphragmatic palsy due to phrenic nerve invasion
- central chest pain due to chest wall invasion
Chest wall invasion:
- pleural effusion
- pleuritic chest
Right paratracheal:
- superior vena cava obstruction due to SVC compression or invasion