Extended resection of non-small cell lung cancer invading the left atrium, is it worth the risk?

Chin Clin Oncol. 2015 Dec;4(4):43. doi: 10.3978/j.issn.2304-3865.2015.06.08.

Abstract

Only few reports of surgical approach to T4 lung carcinoma invading the heart have been reported in the medical literature. It is also controversial if such cancer should be treated by surgery. The aim of this review is to assess the current risk/benefit ratio of the surgical management of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) invading the left atrium, especially in the light of a multidisciplinary approach. We also expose our surgical experience and the procedure we have developed in order to increase our rate of complete resection as this criterion appears to be mandatory as well as patients' nodal status in order to increase life expectancy.

Keywords: Left atrium; T4; extended resection.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung / mortality
  • Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung / pathology
  • Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung / surgery*
  • Cardiac Surgical Procedures* / adverse effects
  • Cardiac Surgical Procedures* / mortality
  • Heart Atria / pathology
  • Heart Atria / surgery*
  • Humans
  • Lung Neoplasms / mortality
  • Lung Neoplasms / pathology
  • Lung Neoplasms / surgery*
  • Neoplasm Invasiveness
  • Patient Selection
  • Pneumonectomy* / adverse effects
  • Pneumonectomy* / mortality
  • Risk Factors
  • Treatment Outcome