1980 Volume 2 Issue 2 Pages 145-155
We studied on the localization of 27 cases with early lung cancer in hilar region by flexible bronchofiberscope, which were resected in Osaka Prefectural Habikino Hospital and National Kinki Central Hospital. Out of these 27 cases, 15 showed pneumonia like densities or atelectasis on chest x-ray films. They were localized at the fist examination by flexible bronchofiberscope, and were shown polypoid and nodular tumors bronchoscopically. Remaining 12 cases were roentgenologically occult lung cancers. Out of them, 10 were localized at the first examination, one at second, and one was diagnosed by selective curattage. Bronchoscopic findings of 15 cases with occult lung cancer revealed superficial infiltrations in 5, nodular tumors in 4 and polypoid tumors in 2. We also studied on the relation between bronchoscopic findings and pathological findings in cases with superficial infiltrating type of squamous cell carcinoma and submucosal infiltration of adenocarcinoma or small cell carcinoma. Concerning with bronchoscopic findings of superficial infiltration, in the areas where tumors were limited within the epithelial layer, the mucosal surfaces showed fine granular changes, edematous thickening and fusion of the longitudinal mucosal folds with normal sheen. In the areas where tumors infiltrated into the submucosal layer and the bronchial cartilage, the mucosal surfaces showed paleness in color, coarsely glanular changes without normal sheen, and the longitudinal mucosal folds were disappeared. Concerning with submucosal infiltration, in the areas where tumors infiltrated below the basement membrane, the mucosal surfaces showed paleness in color and irregularity with normal sheen. The longitudinal mucosal folds were disappeared, and bronchial lumens were narrowed markedly. In the areas where tumors infiltrated below the bronchial cartilage, the mucosal surfaces showed normal sheen, no paleness in color and no irregularity. The longitudinal mucosal folds were increased in height and bronchial lumens were narrowed slightly.
