Carcinoma of the lung: a two-year experience at the Austin Hospital, Victoria

All patients attending the Austin Hospital, Melbourne, with the diagnosis of carcinoma of the lung in the two year period 1974 to 1975 were reviewed. There 211 patients in the series, comprising 1.2% of all patients admitted to hospital, and the methods of diagnosis and management were reviewed. Squamous and anaplastic carcinomata were equally frequent, comprising 75% of all cases, and there was a significantly lower incidence of squamous cell carcinoma in females (6.3%) compared with other cell types (20% to 30%). Sputum cytology was the most rewarding single source of tissue diagnosis, and bronchoscopy and mediastinoscopy next most helpful. Only 25% of the patients were fit for surgical treatment, and only 20% of the carcinomata were able to be resected.