[Pathologic findings of small cell lung cancer (SCLC) after chemotherapy--analysis of 48 cases]

From 1980 to 1986, resected specimens from 48 SCLC patients after chemotherapy were studied pathologically. According to the pathologic changes, they were divided into four degrees: 1. The primary lesion disappeared and was replaced by fibrosis (6 cases, 12.5%); 2. Scanty residual cancer tissues were seen by microscopy (6 cases, 12.5%); 3. Degeneration and necrosis with fibrosis were present but active cancer tissues in small areas were found (18 cases, 37.5%), and 4. There was mild degeneration or no obvious changes (18 cases, 37.5%). Five specimens were examined by electron microscopy. The effect of chemotherapy in the primary lesion is more marked than that in the metastatic lymph nodes. The relationship between pathologic changes and response of chemotherapy and pathologic staging; comparison of clinical and pathologic staging and the prognosis of lymph node metastasis are discussed.