[Ultrastructural study of stromal elements of lung carcinoma]

We studied the fine features of stromal elements in 33 cases of human lung carcinoma by electron microscopy. Cancer cells showed the damages to the basement membrane and matrix. On the other hand, stromal elements showed changes responding to the invasion of cancer cells. Lymphocytes and macrophages showed the activity of killing cancer cells. Most cell directly contacts the myofibroblast and fibroblast. Matured myofibroblast, early myofibroblast, active fibroblast and resting fibroblast were present near the nest of carcinoma. We discussed the roles and significance of stromal reactions.