A number of risk factors can increase the likelihood of developing a Pancoast tumor, including:
- Tobacco use – Smoking or being exposed to secondhand smoke
- Exposure to certain occupational hazards – Being exposed to asbestos, diesel exhaust, gold or nickel
- Advanced age – Being older than 50
- Gender – Being male
It’s important to keep in mind that having one or more of these risk factors does not necessarily mean that you will develop a Pancoast tumor. Many people have multiple risk factors and never develop the malignancy, while others are afflicted without having any known risk factors. If you have one or more of these factors, you’re at a greater risk for developing a Pancoast tumor. As such, you should pay particularly close attention to the signs and symptoms of this malignancy.
The team to choose for Pancoast tumor treatment
Are you concerned that you might have a Pancoast tumor? If so, you can rely on Moffitt Cancer Center for skilled diagnosis and treatment. The multispecialty team in our Thoracic Oncology Program includes experienced medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, pulmonologists, pathologists and thoracic surgeons who collaborate to provide our patients with the highly individualized treatment that Moffitt has come to be known for.
To request an appointment at Moffitt Cancer Center, call us today at 1-888-663-3488 or complete our new patient registration form online. When you do so, you can expect to be connected with a cancer expert in just one day. After a cancer diagnosis, every day counts, and we want to provide our patients with the compassionate care they deserve every step of the way.
