ABSTRACT
Lung cancer is the most lethal cancer in both male and female. Preoperative detection of lung cancer metastasis to the main carina can alter the operative approach, eliminate further staging procedures and save the patients from thoracotomy. The aim of this study was to define the carinal involvement in patients with lung cancer. ln this descriptive study, between 1381-82, were bronchoscopically evaluated 51 consecutive lung cancer patients who were referrid to Ghaembronchoscopy center. In addition to biopsies from main lesion, three to five blind biopsy specimen were obtained from the main carina during fiberoptic bronchoscopy.Our analysis of data were done by x [2], fischer, t student and with 95% coefficient. crarial involvement was histologically diagnosed in 8 patients [15.7%] who underwent main carinal biopsy. In five patients [9.8%] with carinal involvement normal appearing carina were seen. We found no significant difference between the carinal involvement with the type and location of primary tumor. It was concluded that carinal biopsy should be done routinely in all clinical and radiologically operable patients with suspect lung cancer. It can save the patients with lung cancer from inappropriate or unnecessary thoracotomy and further staging procedures