[Evaluation of a broncho-pulmonary cancer patient]

A complete check-up is indispensable in patients suffering from broncho-pulmonary cancer, in order to establish a base-line for the lesions, and necessary in order to pose possible surgical indications. It must make use of the clinical examination and various instrumental exploratory methods which must be used with discrimination depending on the benefits which can be expected of them. Clinical examination is essential; it enables analysis of the symptoms and evaluation of the general condition. Investigation of the progressive potential of the cancer is based on the histological study, evaluation of the subject's state of immunity and the time for the tumor to double in size. Functional respiratory investigation is indispensable for any possible surgical discussion. Its importance equals the assessment of local extension of the tumor, of mediastinal glandular involvement and the result of vascular involvement checks. Finally, the identification of metastases remains essential, although deceptive, inspite of progress in the means of investigation which can be used.