[Symptoms of locally advanced non-small-cell lung carcinoma]

A group of 50 patients with locally disseminated non-small-cell lung cancer was analyzed. The diagnosis was confirmed upon the analysis of the samples obtained by bronchoscopy or percutaneous needle biopsy of the lungs. CT scan of the thorax, as well as transesophageal echosonography of the mediastinum and ultrasound of the abdomen were performed for the evaluation of the disease dissemination. The aim of the study was to establish the main characteristics of lung cancer in locally disseminated disease with particular reference to the analysis of the symptoms. The majority of patients were aged between 56 and 60 years (n = 13; 26%). The majority was with planocellular cancer of central localization (n = 38; 76%). In 20 (40%) patients surgery was performed, and in 30 (60%) patients the surgery was finished with exploration. The most frequent symptoms were cough in 29 (58%), hemoptysis in 27 (54%) and chest pain in 24 (48%) patients. Frequency of the symptoms was multiplied in the patients with the advanced disease. Frequency of hemoptysis was equal in the group of patients who were operated and those with exploratory thoracotomy.