What type of malignancy is associated with radiculopathy in the C8-T1 nerve distribution?

• A. Lung Cancer
• B. Pancoast Tumor
• C. Breast Cancer
• D. Thyroid Cancer

Answer: (B)

The association of radiculopathy with the C8-T1 nerve distribution points specifically to a Pancoast tumor, which is a type of lung cancer that occurs at the apex of the lung. This particular region is in close proximity to the brachial plexus and cervical spine structures. When a Pancoast tumor grows, it can invade surrounding tissues, including the infiltrative elements of the brachial plexus, thus leading to radiculopathic symptoms along the C8-T1 distribution.

This type of tumor often presents with pain radiating down the arm or weakness, which can mimic cervical radiculopathy but is actually due to the direct effects of the tumor pressing on or invading the neural structures in that area. The symptoms can also include Horner's syndrome due to sympathetic nerve involvement, further emphasizing the anatomical relationship between the lung apex and the neural structures.

In contrast, while lung cancer, breast cancer, and thyroid cancer can all present with various neurological symptoms, they do not specifically target the C8-T1 distribution in the same manner as a Pancoast tumor. Lung cancer can result in a range of symptoms depending upon its location and metastasis but does not have the same direct association with radiculopathy in this particular nerve