Small cell lung cancer treated by radiofrequency ablation: A case report

RATIONALE: The morbidity and mortality of small cell lung cancer (SCLC), an uncommon malignancy of the lung, remain high. Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) creates heat to destroy cancer cells and is usually used to treat non-SCLC, but not SCLC. PATIENT CONCERNS: An 85-year-old male presented with a 2-month history of a productive cough with white phlegm and a 2-day history of hemoptysis. Chest computed tomography revealed a mass in the right lower lobe. DIAGNOSES: An excision biopsy of the mass showed SCLC. INTERVENTIONS: We treated the tumor with RFA. OUTCOMES: At the 2-year follow-up examination, the efficacy of the RFA was evaluated as a partial response. LESSONS: RFA can improve the prognosis of SCLC and should be considered for its treatment.