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Bronchoscopic "resection" of small cell carcinoma
S W Watkin1, A J Soorae, J A Green
1University of Liverpool, Department of Radiation Oncology, Clatterbridge Hospital, Bebington, Wirral, Merseyside.
Endoscopy
|July 1, 1989
Summary
Small cell lung cancer typically spreads widely. However, a rare case of peripheral small cell lung cancer was successfully treated with surgery, with no signs of disease recurrence after 2.5 years.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Oncology
- Thoracic Surgery
Background:
- Small cell carcinoma of the bronchus (SCB) commonly presents as advanced disease with a central primary tumor.
- Disseminated SCB often has a poor prognosis, limiting treatment options.
Observation:
- A patient presented with peripheral lung shadowing on chest radiography.
- Bronchoscopy identified an endobronchial tumor consistent with small cell carcinoma.
Findings:
- The patient underwent lobectomy for the peripheral SCB.
- No residual carcinoma was detected in the surgical specimen post-lobectomy.
Implications:
- This case suggests that peripheral SCB, even when endobronchial, may be amenable to surgical resection.
- Complete resection could potentially lead to long-term disease-free survival in select SCB patients.
- Highlights the importance of thorough diagnostic evaluation for seemingly peripheral lung lesions.