Small cell lung cancer with a brain metastasis controlled for 5 years: a case report.

We report a case of small cell lung cancer whose initial presentation was a solitary brain metastasis. On chest radiography the primary tumor was unclear and only detected by bronchofiberscopy. A small single pulmonary metastasis was noted in the right lower lobe. Subtotal resection and external irradiation were applied to the brain tumor and external irradiation was applied to the lung. Concurrently one course of systemic chemotherapy was administered. The tumors in the brain and lung had disappeared by the end of the treatment. The patient has been alive and well for 5 years without recurrence.