PULMONARY RESECTION FOR METASTATIC BREAST CANCER

Abstract

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.