Late recurrence of small-cell lung cancer: a case report

A 67-year-old man was admitted with small-cell lung cancer (SCLC). The patient was given four courses of platinum-containing chemotherapy followed by chest irradiation, and good partial response (PR) was obtained. The patient did well for 4 years, until he sought treatment for a painful subcutaneous tumor. Chest computed tomography scan revealed the mass extending from the tumor in lung parenchyma with osteolytic lesion of the third rib bone. Pathologic examination of the subcutaneous lesion revealed SCLC. The patient was given two courses of the same combination chemotherapy administered as initial therapy. Regression of the mass was observed, and the response was evaluated as a good PR. How to approach late recurrence of SCLC is discussed.