[Possibilities for the early detection of lung cancer recurrences and metastases]

The results of surgical treatment in 260 lung cancer patients are analysed. The purposeful dynamic examination of patients by modern technics enabled a recognition of progressive tumor growth in 112 of 137 patients (81,75%) during the first 18 months after the operation. To reveal subclinical recurrences and metastases in the chest organs roentgenological and bronchological methods, positive 67Ga-citrate scintigraphy seem to be preferable. In skeletal involvement scanning findings are mostly indicative in this respect. Scanning of the organs in operable patients as a mandatory investigation is unlikely to be rational.