Resection for lung cancer in the elderly patient

Age is sometimes used as an excuse not to resect lung cancer. Nugent et al [10] noted that, although only 6% of patients younger than 45 years had stage I or II disease, 33% underwent surgical resection. In contrast, of the 33% of elderly patients who had stage I or II disease, only 6% underwent surgical resection. The elderly patients who are carefully selected for lung resection are undoubtedly stronger physiologically than others their same age. Patients with adequate predicted postoperative lung function, no contraindications from other medical problems, good performance status, and social support should be offered standard resection for early-stage NSCLC. Lung cancer resection in elderly patients is justified and has decreasing morbidity and mortality rates. Careful patient selection and operative planning are necessary, however. It is wise to have a diagnosis and staging done before the patient arrives in the operating suite. The surgeon should avoid extended resections when possible. In addition, elderly patients should be ambulated as soon as possible and adequate pain control should be ensured. Finally, the stage of the cancer and occurrence of cardiopulmonary complications are the main determinants of outcome.