Pancoast tumor

For the past year I have been having issues with continuous pain in my arm and shoulder. At first I just thought it was where I had been doing weights so I stopped and since then it's got far worse to the point sometimes I literally cannot use my arm. Aswell as that my eye started dropping, I keep having extreme facial sweating, fatigue and my hand is constantly tingling aswell as dizziness and pain in my armpit. My drs sent me for a 2 week app and x-ray...had full bloods done...I'm in the waiting phase. I am absolutely terrified I have a pancoast tumor as every symptom matches that and my Dr was extremely concerned too. I don't think it's helped that I'm looking on Google and can find hardly anything about it and alot is not very positive at all. I just don't know how to calm down.

  • Hello Sarekai, 

    I just wanted to welcome you to our forum. I hope you won't have to wait too long for your scans and results. I can imagine it must be a very stressful time for you while waiting to find out more. 

    I know it is really hard but try not to worry too much or anticipate what it might be as there are so many things which could be causing these issues other than a pancoast tumour. The best thing to do to avoid thinking too much about this is to keep busy and distracted if you can and avoid looking things up online. I can imagine it is hard for you to do this at the moment but it will help you feel a little less anxious. 

    I hope you will also hear from others here who have been through all this before and that they will be along soon to share their story with you. 

    Keeping everything crossed for you that everything turns out fine. 

    Best wishes, 

    Lucie, Cancer Chat Moderator

  • Went along to opticians with nothing more on my mind than choosing new frames. Three weeks later just had brain  and chest scans yesterday.. I noticed about a year ago that one pupil didn't react in the same way as other to light/dark. Mentioned to doc a year ago told it's nothing to worry about! Horners syndrome mentioned. Did a bit of googling (I know, bad idea) it appears that people (50%) who have Pancoast syndrome , a rare form of lung cancer, have Horners syndrome. Somebody please tell me I've got this wrong. Terrified,  don't quite know what to do with myself whilst waiting for test results. Should I be alarmed at the speed of referrals and tests. From visit to opticians to testing less than 3 weeks. How long should it take for results to be known.? Still haven't chosen new frames!