One hundred and two patients with small cell carcinoma of the lung were operated on from June 1965 to December 1990. The five-year survival rate of the patients who underwent resection only was 9.4% (5/53). The five-year survival rate of those who received operation, chemotherapy and radiotherapy was 25.0% (1/4). There was a remarkable difference between the two groups (P < 0.01). Operation with adjuvant chemotherapy or radiotherapy is the first choice of treatment in patients with small cell carcinoma of the lung. Stage I and stage II cases should be considered as Operative candidates. Chemotherapy should be given before and after operation. Postoperative radiotherapy Should be given to the patients with residual Cancer.