Carcinoma ; Large cell ; Diagnosis ; Treatment outcome
Abstract
Background : To define the final outcome of large cell carcinoma (LCC) after surgical treatment, we reviewed the histopathology, clinical features and follow-up results of 28 cases. Methods : We retrospectively reviewed 28 patients with LCC who underwent surgical resection during the last 15 years from 1986 to 2001 in Severance Hospital. We evaluated clinical data, radiologic findings, pathologic findings, treatment modalities, and survival. Results : The prevalence of LCC was 2.9% (29 cases) among the surgically resected cases in primary lung cancer (1003 cases) during 15 years. The mean age was 59 years old and twenty five cases were male. There were 23 smokers and the average pack year was 33. The cough was the most frequent symptom. Fifteen cases were located in the peripheral part of the lung. Twenty cases consisted of lobulated mass. In chest CT scan, twenty six cases had necrotic portions which appeared to be lower density. Postoperative stage was IA in 1 case (3.6%), IB in 11 cases (39.3%), IIB in 8 cases (28.5%), IIIA in 7 cases (25%), and IV in 1 case (3.6%). Preoperative and postoperative stage concordance rate was 43%. Median survival time was 54.5 months and 5 year-survival rate was 45%. Conclusion : Our results suggest that LCC in the lung is predominant in male and is equally located in the central and peripheral parts of the surgically resected cases. To define the treatment outcome and risk factors of LCC of the lung, further multicenter studies are needed.