The Age Rule:

< 40 years = Inflammatory > Neoplasm > Congenital

> 40 years = Neoplastic > Inflammatory > Congenital

Rule of 7s

Duration of symptoms:

• 7 days = inflammatory
• 7 months = neoplastic
• 7 years = congenital

80% Rule

Of patients over the age of 40:

• 80% of lesions are neoplastic
  • 80% of which are malignant
    • 80% are metastatic
      • 80% in which the primary is above the clavicle