Slovenská chirurgia 2/2014

Limits of surgical treatment of lung cancer in elderly

Population in western countries is aging. Similar demographic trend is evident also in Slovakia. Presence of comorbidities, decreased functional reserve of many organs, poorer functional and nutritional status increase the risk of lung resections in elderly patients. During the indication of lung resection in elderly is essential to consider not only the stage of the lung cancer and lung functional capacity, but also comorbidities and the extention of lung resection and to determine the risk of operation. Under these conditions the surgical treatment offers the best chance for cure in elderly patients with lung cancer.

Keywords: lung cancer, surgical treatment, elderly.