[Prognostic value of symptoms in patients treated surgically for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)].
The aim of this study was to remind, that the presence of symptoms in patients qualified to surgical treatment for NSCLC can be considered as an unfavorable prognostic factor.


METHODS
The study group consisted of 231 patients discharged from the Clinic between 1988 and 1991 after surgical treatment for NSCLC. Information about complaints and symptoms were based on archival records. NSCLC stages have been defined from the analysis of operation records.


RESULTS
Among 231 patients treated surgically for NSCLC 189 (81.9%) had complaints during last 4-96, av. 24 weeks. 106 (45.9%) patients complained of cough, and 68 (29.4%) of chest pain and bloody sputum. Of 189 patients with complaints at admission to the Clinic, 31.7% survived 5 years, and 25.4% survived 10 years after surgical treatment. In the group of 42 patients with lung cancer detected accidentally, 71.4% survived 5 years, and 57.3% survived 10 years (p<0.001)


CONCLUSIONS
1. The presence of symptoms at patients operated for NSCLC is an unfavorable prognostic factor. 2. Chest pain and a rapid loss of body mass are particularly bad prognostic factors.
Katedra i Klinika Chirurgii Klatki Piersiowej Slaskiej Akademii Medycznej, Zabrze.
Gawrychowski
G
Jacek
Wojtacha
W
Jacek
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D015992:Body Mass Index; D002289:Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung / Q000150:complications* / Q000401:mortality / Q000601:surgery*; D002637:Chest Pain / Q000209:etiology; D018572:Disease-Free Survival; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000150:complications* / Q000401:mortality / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011379:Prognosis; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016019:Survival Analysis; D013997:Time Factors