Surgical palliation of previously resected thoracic sarcoma

Surgical palliation can improve quality of life, provide local control, and extend survival. However, oncologists often view surgical intervention as a drastic measure with prohibitive morbidity. During the past decade, surgical palliation has played a role in the management of many metastatic malignancies, including those of the colon, breast, prostate, and kidney. In concert with this, the morbidity and mortality associated with surgical interventions has continued to decline. We present 2 patients with thoracic sarcoma recurrences after pneumonectomy that were associated with symptomatic compression of pulmonary vessels and airway. Both patients underwent surgical resection, with immediate relief of symptoms, improved quality of life, and extended survival.