[Small cell epithelioma in the Rhône-Alp region: changes in incidence between 1970 and 1980]

4 856 cases of primary lung carcinoma in the Rhônes-Alpes area have been collected from 1970 to 1980 by cytological examination. The validity of these data rests upon the fact that they come from the same laboratory. The percentage of small cell carcinomas has been calculated per year and per geographical area. An increasing incidence is observed starting from 8% in 1973 and reaching 19% in 1980. These data are correlated with a review of the literature.