Pancoast tumor differential diagnosis

Overview
In superior vena cava syndrome, obstruction of the superior vena cava by a tumor (mass effect) causes facial swelling, cyanosis and dilatation of the veins of the head and neck.

A pancoast tumor is an apical tumor that is typically found in conjunction with a smoking history. The clinical signs and symptoms can be confused with neurovascular compromise at the level of the thoracic outlet. The patient's smoking history, rapid onset of clinical signs and symptoms, and pleuritic pain can suggest an apical tumor.