[Should we still operate small cell carcinoma of the lung? (author's transl)]

Two hundred and nineteen cases of small cell carcinoma of the lung are reviewed. The 5-year survival rate is less than 5%. Four patients survived more than 5 years, among 9 tumors resected with curative intention. Palliative resections do not enhance the survival rate. Combined radiotherapy and polychimiotherapy have a high response rate and tend to extend the median survival interval. Thus, small cell carcinoma require an accurate pathological diagnosis and extensive staging. Only small, localized peripherical tumors (T1N0M0, T2N0M0) should be resected.