Methods of skeletal reconstruction following resection of lung carcinoma invading the chest wall

The 5 per cent of patients with carcinoma of the lung directly invading the chest wall present a challenge for treatment. Complete resection of all tumor, including the chest wall, should be done. Immediate reconstruction to prevent a flail chest ensures a smooth postoperative course. Excellent palliation and a 46 per cent 5-year survival rate can be achieved if there is no spread to mediastinal lymph nodes.