SURGERY FOR PULMONARY METASTASES IN COLOR ECTAL-CANCER - PROGNOSTIC FACTORS

Survival rates: Less than 5% of patients with pulmonary metastasis fro m colorectal carcinoma will survive at 5 years, but 30% will survive a t 5 years after surgical treatment Main prognostic factors: The number of nodules, presence of regional lymph node metastases, disease-free interval between treatment oi the primary tumor and development of met astasis as well as serum CEA level are the main prognostic discriminan ts. Indications for surgery: An aggressive operative approach is indic ated even when there are pulmonary and extra-pulmonary localizations. Repeat thoracotomy is warranted for recurrent disease.