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Pulmonary resection for metastatic breast cancer
Background:
A patient with a solitary pulmonary metastasis who had breast cancer in the past may benefit from pulmonary resection.
Methods:
Between 1984 and 1996, 17 patients underwent metastatectomy for metastatic breast cancer. There were 15 females and two males whose average age was 59 (range: 40-74 years). The median tumour-free interval after the primary breast-cancer operation was 5.1 years (range: 8 months-18.2 years). Sixteen patients had complete resections, which included six lobectomies and 10 lesser resections.
Results:
The postoperative mortality was nil and the morbidity rate was 6%. Follow-up was complete in all patients. Recurrent disease developed in four patients and two patients died of their disease. The 5-year survival was 62%.
Conclusion:
An aggressive surgical approach is warranted in patients with isolated resectable pulmonary metastases from breast cancer.