A nonresponding small cell lung cancer combined with adenocarcinoma

This study aimed to present a case with limited-stage small cell lung cancer (SCLC) not responding to two cycles of chemotherapy. Radical resection of left lower pulmonary carcinoma was performed. The postoperative pathological diagnosis was SCLC combined adenocarcinoma, and the pTNM stage was pT1cN1M0 (IIB). The patient received three cycles of adjuvant chemotherapy and prophylactic radiotherapy in the mediastinal lymphatic drainage region. If patients with SCLC have a high level of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), are nonresponding to chemotherapy, or the lesion is located at the peripheral portion of the lung, then non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) complements may be present. Further workup (e.g., repeat or multipoint biopsy) should be offered to reach an accurate pathological diagnosis and plan suitable treatment. Surgery should be considered for patients with suspicious early-stage combined small cell lung cancer (C-SCLC). It can play an important role in diagnosis and treatment.