[A case of squamous cell carcinoma of the lung treated by right sleeve upper lobectomy after photodynamic therapy].

This patient, a 62-year-old female, with squamous cell carcinoma of the lung was inoperable because of poor pulmonary function due to severe bronchial stenosis by a tumor at the orifice of the right main bronchus. As the tumor decreased in size after photodynamic therapy (PDT), the bronchial stenosis decreased and her pulmonary function improved sufficiency to permit surgery. When right upper sleeve lobectomy was performed, only limited peribronchial inflammation related to PDT procedure was detected indicating only slight extrabronchial influence of PDT. This suggests that PDT is a viable adjunct modality in case in which surgery might possible be performed. The patient has a good postoperative course and is alive 18 months after surgery without any evidence of recurrence.