[Early recognition of bronchial carcinoma with computerized tomography]

Bronchial carcinoma is the most common cause of tumor induced death worldwide. Because of the lack of clinical symptoms and signs the diagnosis of this tumor is generally established in advanced stages. With computed tomography (CT) pulmonary nodules can be detected with high sensitivity. Nodules are, because they are surrounded by aerated lung tissue, high-contrast objects and can be investigated with low-dose computed tomography technique. The reduction of mortality is the central issue in the ongoing discussion about early diagnosis of bronchial carcinoma with computed tomography. To date, no medical society or governmental body has expressed recommendations because randomized controlled trials have not been performed yet. It is expected that such trials are started in the near future in the USA and in several European countries.