Limited resection of lung cancer

Follow-up results after a limited resection (segmentectomy, wedge resection of lung) are represented in this paper according to the TNM classification and histological type of tumour.

Since 1980 until 1997, 1173 patients (pts) with lung cancer were treated surgically. 42 (36 males and 6 females) of them underwent a limited resection of lung. Distribution of pts according to the TNM classification was: T1N0 was found in 12 pts and T2N0 in 11 pts, T2N0 in 11pts, T2N1 in 7 pts, other 12 pts had N2. Sqamous cell carcinoma was in 19 pts, Adenocarcinoma in 13 pts, Small cell carcinoma in 9 pts, one pt--Carcinosarcoma. After the operation 9 pts received radiation therapy, 9 pts--chemotherapy.

The best follow-up results were in pts with T1-2N0 who received adjuvant therapy: median survival was 45.7 months. The pts, treated only surgically, lived 36.7 months. The pts with N2 lived only 9 months.

1. A limited resection of lung with lymph nodes dissection can be performed only in cases T1-2N0. 2. In cases with N0 of undifferentiated carcinoma (anaplastic, small cell) adjuvant therapy ought to be given after operation. 3. In cases of N1, N2 we recommend adjuvant therapy regardless of histological type of tumour.