Role of surgery in the treatment of small cell lung carcinoma

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the role of surgery in the treatment of patients with small cell lung carcinoma in order to improve treatment outcomes. Material and methods. Long-term surgical treatment outcomes in 41 patients were analyzed. Twenty six patients underwent lobectomy and 15 patients underwent pneumonectomy. Results. The 5-year survival rates were 66, 29 and 21 % in patients with stage I, II and III small cell lung carcinoma, respectively. The 5-year survival rate following systematic lymph node dissection was significantly higher than following systematic biopsy (61 % versus 24 %). Conclusion. Surgical treatment including lobectomy or pneumonectomy with systematic lymph node dissection followed by adjuvant chemotherapy is recommended for patients with stage I and II small cell lung carcinoma.