Surgery for small cell lung cancer

Thorac Surg Clin. 2014 Nov;24(4):399-409. doi: 10.1016/j.thorsurg.2014.07.005. Epub 2014 Sep 6.

Abstract

Small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) comprises approximately 14% of all lung cancer cases. Most patients present with locally advanced or metastatic disease and are therefore treated nonoperatively with chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or both. A small subset of patients with SCLC present with early-stage disease and will benefit from surgical resection plus chemotherapy. The rationale for radiotherapy in these patients remains controversial.

Keywords: Early-stage small cell lung cancer; Lobectomy; Lung resection; Small cell lung cancer.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Lung Neoplasms / pathology
  • Lung Neoplasms / surgery*
  • Neoplasm Staging
  • Pneumonectomy / methods*
  • Small Cell Lung Carcinoma / pathology
  • Small Cell Lung Carcinoma / surgery*