[Radiological study of the topography and morphology of pulmonary cancer]

This study proposes a radiological, topographical and morphological classification of primary carcinoma of the lung based on a large radiographic case-series of the National Cancer Institute of Milan checked anatomopathologically. The aim is to standardise the X-ray findings and so make for easier understanding and more rewarding cooperation among those engaged on the diagnosis and treatment of this tumor. The classification of lung cancer into central and peripheral only is felt, in the light of present knowledge, to be inadequate. It is therefore suggested that central lung cancers be divided into purely endobronchial, endoperibronchial and exobronchial, taking into account both the repercussions on ventilation and extracentral spread. For peripheral lung carcinomas more detailed morphological and topographical features are considered in order to pinpoint the tumor and its hilomediastinal spread, especially in the case of paracentral tumors. A brief reference is made to the more relevant radiodiagnostic procedures.