Superior pulmonary sulcus tumors: radical resection and palliative treatment

Between 1963 and 1987, 56 patients with Superior Pulmonary Sulcus Tumors (SPST) were seen at our Institution. Fifteen inoperable patients were treated by radiotherapy. Forty-one patients underwent surgery: 32 received preoperative irradiation and in four of these postoperative radiotherapy was also administered: in nine cases (non radical resection) radiotherapy was administered postoperatively only. Paulson's approach was employed in 30 cases and Dartevelle's procedure in 11. The resection was considered curative in 22 patients (53.7%) achieving complete palliation of pain in 68.2% of cases. In non-resectable patients 2-year survival was 6%. Five-year survival was 11.1% for patients with non radical resection and postoperative irradiation and 34% for patients undergoing preoperative irradiation and radical resection. Four patients underwent pre- and postoperative irradiation and they are alive 23, 20, 15 and six months after operation. Five-year survival for N0, N1 and N2 patients was 38.1%, 14.3% and 0% respectively. In conclusion, SPST can be radically resected, with the appropriate surgical approach and after preoperative radiotherapy, achieving good long-term survival and pain relief. Postoperative irradiation is advisable for prevention of local recurrence and longer pain relief.