Abstract
Background: In lung cancer (LC) patients an early detection and surgical resection offers the highest likelihood of cure, however, patients in extremes of age may fail to benefit maximally from these interventions.
Aim: Characterize symptoms, comorbidities and stage in younger and older groups of patients with LC.
Methods: Review of medical records of 323 patients with LC diagnosed between 2013-15 in our hospital. Patients were selected by age as <45 and >80 years.
Results: <45 group: 9 patients (56% male), with mean age of 42 years (36-45). 89% were smokers. The most frequent histological type found was adenocarcinoma - ADC (56%). 44% had cronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The presenting signs/symptoms were respiratory infection (45%), B symptoms (22%), hemoptysis (11%), superior vena cava syndrome (11%) and seizures (11%). 78% had Performance Status (PS) 0-2. All presented with advanced disease: 44% with stage III and 56% with stage IV. In stage III a curative approach was intended in all patients, 2 were submitted to surgery. 22% were treated with Best Supportive Care (BSC). Overall survival was 8,7 months. >80 group: 24 patients (83% male), with mean age of 84 years (80-90). 71% were current or ex-smokers. The most frequent histological type was ADC (54%). 63% had PS 0-2, 88% had respiratory ou cardiovascular comorbidities. The stage at presentation was: 4% in stage I, 13% II, 21% III and 58% IV. In 13% a curative approach was intended, 1 patient had surgery. 50% were treated with BSC. Overall survival was 9,1 months.
Conclusion: The paucity of symptoms in younger patients can influence an early diagnosis and the presence of multiple comorbidities in older patients can have impact on surgical possibility. Studies on large population are needed.
- Copyright ©the authors 2016
