[Computed tomography of apical lung cancer]

CT was performed on 22 patients with carcinoma of the lung apex. CT provided reliable information concerning the local extent of the disease. Infiltration of the thoracic soft tissues was found in 91%, ribs in 87%, vertebral bodies in 61% and of the spinal canal and mediastinum in 22%. Metastases in the hilar and mediastinal lymph nodes were demonstrated in 38%. In eight patients, as a result of the CT, radiotherapy was performed, followed by resection of the tumour, and in 15 patients radiotherapy alone was used. The CT findings, by which operability or inoperability are judged, and the actual therapeutic procedures are discussed.