CLINICAL PROBLEMS IN DIAGNOSIS OF LUNG CANCER

Abstract

Detection and clinical results of treatment for lung cancer have not been satisfactory. During the past 5 years, 186 patients were treated for lung cancer. Of these 186 patients, 64 were detected by mass surveys for lung cancer, 99 were detected by complaints, and 23 were detected by chance. Three cases of advanced lung cancer were reported that were referred to as “Doctor's Delay”. These were detected through chest roentgenograms. Of these 3 patients, one was detected by atelectasis of the right lower lung field in a chest roentgenogram. The roentgenogram of another had been diagnosed as lung tuberculosis, and the third was diagnosed as normal. They were narrowly treated by surgical resection. Pathological diagnoses of these cases were advanced lung cancer (stage IIIA) . We conclude that it is important to inspect chest roentgenograms carefully and compare them with previous studies.