ABSTRACT
Objective To compare the clinic characteristics, recurrences and prognosis in patients with stage Ⅰ bronchioloalveolar carcinoma (BAC) and adenocarcinoma of the lung. Methods The data of 56 patients with stage Ⅰ BAC and 169 patients with stage Ⅰ adenocarcinoma were analyzed retrospectively. Results The overall 1-, 3-, 5- year survival rates were 94.7%, 83.5% and 61.2%, respectively. Compared with adenocarcinoma of the lung, BAC showed a better survival rate(x2 =6.36, P =0.012). After surgery patients with BAC were prone to develop intrathoracic recurrence, and adenocarcinoma was equal between intrathoracic recurrence and extrathoracic metastasis. The rate of intrathoracic recurrence and extrathoracic metastasis between BAC and adenocarcinoma was significantly different (14/16 vs. 27/59, x2 =8.85, P=0.004). In both group, preoperative asymptomatic patients had better survival rate(x2 = 7.28, P = 0.007; x2 = 6.07, P = 0. 014). Univariate analysis indicated that sex, age(< 60 years and ≥60 years), location of tumor and smoking history did not significantly influence survival in patients with stage Ⅰ BAC or adenocarcinoma (P > 0.05). Conclusion The prognosis of stage Ⅰ BAC is superior to that of stage Ⅰ adenocarcinoma. BAC is prone to develop intrathoracic recurrence, and adenocarcinoma is equal between intrathoracic recurrence and extrathoracic metastasis. Early diagnosis of lung cancer could improve long-term survival.