Carcinoma of the Bronchus

Abstract

Malignant disease of the lung appears to be increasing in incidence. A greater number are reaching the surgeon in an operable stage. The operative mortality has fallen from the neighborhood of 50% to 10% or lower. Probably at the present time not more than 15% of primary carcinomas of the lung are operable when first seen by a doctor. X-ray therapy carefully controlled will often ameliorate but never cure carcinoma of the bronchus. Pneumonectomy by modern technique offers the only hope of cure. Lobectomy or pneumonectomy is justifiable in the treatment of a solitary secondary malignant metastasis in the lung.