[Late detection of bronchogenic carcinoma]

The retrospective analysis of 1781 patients with bronchogenous carcinoma treated at the Institute of Pulmonary Diseases of the Military Medical Academy within the period 1971-1980 is presented. In 86% cases the disease was discovered according to symptoms because of which the patients had consulted physicians. The time between the onset and the detection of the disease was more than 3 months in the majority of patients and more than 6 months in one third of the patients. In the largest number of patients the disease was detected late when chances for successful intervention were diminished. Only in one third of the patients the disease was localized. Aiming to early detection of bronchogenous carcinoma it is essential to have good knowledge of symptoms both by patients and primary care physicians.