What kind of hilar lung cancer can be a candidate for segmentectomy with curative intent? Retrospective clinicopathological study of completely resected roentgenographically occult bronchogenic squamous cell carcinoma

Although a randomized control trial demonstrated that limited surgery for small peripheral lung cancers was not as curative as lobectomy, there have been no reports concerning segmentectomy for small hilar lung cancers. In this study, we analyzed the clinicopathological features of roentgenographically occult bronchogenic squamous cell carcinomas in order to select candidates for limited resection with curative intent. From April 1982 through June 1995, 105 roentgenographically occult bronchogenic squamous cell carcinomas whose proximal edge of the lesion was more peripheral than the orifice of the segmental bronchus were completely resected. The bronchoscopic findings of the lesions were classified into three categories: remarkable, minute and hidden. Moreover, in terms of the range of endoscopic visibility, the lesions were classified into two categories: lesions within the range of endoscopic visibility and those beyond it. If lymph nodes show no signs of metastasis, roentgenographically occult bronchogenic squamous cell carcinoma is regarded as localized carcinoma and can be a candidate for segmentectomy with curative intent. In cases with minute or hidden bronchoscopic findings or of lesions within the range of endoscopic visibility, metastatic lymph nodes were never observed. Accordingly, roentgenographically occult bronchogenic squamous cell carcinomas with minute or hidden bronchoscopic findings or those within the range of endoscopic visibility can be candidates for curative segmentectomy. Copyright (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd.