Pneumothorax associated with treatment for pulmonary malignancy

Pneumothorax associated with treatment for pulmonary malignancy (PATPM) is a rare complication. Its clinicopathological features have not yet been clearly defined. Forty-one patients with PATPM from September 2002 to March 2009 were included. We evaluated the clinicopathological findings and treatment outcome of these patients. Of the 41 patients, 21 had primary lung cancer and 20 had metastatic lung tumours. Twenty-four patients (58.5%) required chest tube drainage for more than six days. Ten patients (24%) finally, received surgical treatment. Regarding the surgical procedure, conversion to open thoracotomy was required in seven (70%) of these 10 patients because of dense adhesions or anatomical changes in the thoracic cavity caused by treatment or the progression of the tumours. Two patients had severe complications after surgery. One of these two patients and another patient died of primary disease within 30 days after surgery. The median survival time in the 10 patients with surgery was 223 days (range 22-1059 days). PATPM tends to require chest tube drainage for a long period, and sometimes needs surgical treatment, which may be difficult. We should carefully identify patients who would derive considerable benefit from surgical treatment.