SURGICAL-TREATMENT OF PANCOAST TUMOR

The treatment of superior pulmonary sulcus (Pancoast) tumor is not uni form and is still discussed. Literature data and our retrospective stu dy are presented. Fourteen patients were operated for a Pancoast tumor . Nine patients underwent mediastinoscopy followed by preoperative rad iotherapy. Five patients received adjuvant radiotherapy after incomple te resection. Five patients who did not have preoperative radiotherapy , received postoperative irradiation. All three patients who survived five years or more, had preoperative radiotherapy and two of them unde rwent a complete resection. Literature data are discussed and emphasis is laid on the importance of preoperative staging, including mediasti noscopy, preoperative radiotherapy and complete ''en bloc'' resection.