[Lung cancer histological types and diagnostic methods in a tertiary care facility]

To describe the histological frequencies, diagnostic methods, gender and age of lung cancer patients in a third level care hospital in western Mexico.

A retrospective and descriptive study (2002 to 2005) was undertaken. From all reviewed cases, 242 patients had a diagnosis compatible with lung cancer. We analyzed the histological type, gender, age group, and diagnostic method.

The histological type frequencies of lung cancer were as follows: 63.6% adenocarcinoma, 19.0% squamous cell carcinoma, 15.2% small cell carcinoma, and 2.2% large-cell carcinoma. Among these patients, a male-female ratio of 2:1 with a mean age of 63 years was found. Regarding the diagnostic methods followed, the most common included: transthoracic needle aspiration, bronchial biopsy, and bronchial washing.

Adenocarcinoma was the most frequent histological type in the sample studied, an association between female gender and risk of developing adenocarcinoma was detected.