[Surgical treatment of lung cancer in young adult]

Ninety-three young adult patients (< 40 years old) with lung cancer were operated and pathologically confirmed during 1977. 1-1990. 12. The first misdiagnostic rate was 74.2%. The resectable rate was as low as 76.3%. The incidence of SCLC in this group was 17.2%. Pneumonectomy rate was 23.9%. But lower mortality rate was showed in this group since young patients are usually with better reservation of heart and lung functions. The five-year survival rate in this group was 33.3%. It is emphasized that in case of a young adult suspected of suffering from lung cancer, chest films, and if necessary, sputum cytology, bronchoscopy, standard tomography, CT and transthoracic needle biopsy should be taken. Early diagnosis and treatment are of great importance. In authors' opinion, patients with SCLC should also be treated surgically combined with chemotherapy or radiotherapy.