[Diagnostic problems of alveolar cell carcinoma]

The clinical and radiological symptoms and differential diagnosis of four out of seven cases of alveolar cell carcinomas of the lung, which were observed during the last years, have been compared. Some characteristics are shown, which make the differentiation possible between tuberculosis, sarcoidosis, chronic carcinogenic pneumonia and interstitial lung diseases. Early diagnosis by histological investigation of cells from sputum or from bronchial secretion and by needle biopsy seems possible. During the earliest stage alveolar cell carcinoma can be cured by surgery.