4 mm). We evaluated the findings with thin-section CT for each peripheral tumor; emphasis was laid on the predominant internal characteristics (whether the mass is solid), tumor-lung interface characteristics (whether the mass is well-defined with a smooth surface or with lobulation

or spiculation), and surrounding structures (the presence or absence of perivascular thickening adjacent to the tumor). In all patients, most portions of the tumor consisted of a non-calcified solid mass. Contrast enhancement in KU-57788 in vitro varying degrees was observed in the tumors of all 8 patients, who were evaluated with enhanced CT. The tumor-lung interface characteristics observed on the CT images included a well-defined mass with a smooth surface (n = 5), a well-defined mass with lobulation (n = 3), and a mass with spiculation (n = 4). An irregular perivascular thickening adjacent to the tumor was observed in 4 patients. We conclude that peripheral SCLC without associated lymphadenopathy manifests as a non-calcified solid mass and is occasionally characterized by BIX 01294 solubility dmso perivascular thickening.”
“The incidence of esophageal cancer

has grown over the recent decades and 30 % of esophageal cancer patients are now 75 years or older at the time of diagnosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate trends in management and survival of patients aged 75 years or older with esophageal cancer.\n\nIn the Netherlands cancer registry, we identified all patients aged 75 years or older who were diagnosed

with esophageal cancer between 1989 and 2008. Trends in management and survival were analyzed by time period (1989-2001 vs. 2002-2008), TNM stage, and age (75-79, 80-84, and 85+ years). chi(2) testing was used to analyze time trends in treatment, Kaplan-Meier analysis and log-rank testing to estimate survival, and Cox regression model to calculate hazard ratios for death.\n\nSome 7,253 patients were included in the study. The surgical resection rate increased over the 1989-2008 period from 8.9 to 12.6 % (p = 0.028), especially among patients aged 75-79 years β-Nicotinamide (44.6 vs. 55.4 %, p < 0.001) and patients with TNM stage I disease (12.7 vs. 22.0 %, p < 0.001). The use of definitive chemoradiotherapy (CRT) also increased (0.19 vs. 2.20 %, p < 0.001). Whereas the use of chemotherapy as a single-modality treatment more than doubled (0.64 vs. 1.54 %, p = 0.004), that of radiotherapy alone decreased (38.1 vs. 31.6 %, p < 0.001). Although median survival time was marginally higher in the 2002-2008 period than in 1989-2001, overall 5 year survival rates remained low at 6 and 5 %, respectively (p < 0.001). Five-year survival rate after surgery increased from 16 to 30 % (p < 0.001).\n\nIn patients of 75 years or older, surgical treatment and use of definitive CRT have increased between 1989 and 2008. Also, an increase in the use of chemotherapy as a single modality was noted.