changing epidemiological trends for carcinoma of the lung in Turkey

To compare epidemiological parameters for lung cancer in the last 2 decades 1986-1995 versus 1996-2005. Data on demographic characteristics, and histological subtype of lung cancer patients were retrospectively collected by a chart review in Cumhuriyet University Hospital, Sivas, Turkey for the period of 1993-2005. All other full-text papers that report epidemiological data for lung cancer in Turkey were also searched for meta-analysis. A total of 25,604 patients were analyzed in the last 2 decades. The mean age at the time of diagnosis was 59.4 years, and 92.5% of the patients were males. In the last decade, the rate of squamous cell carcinoma decreased from 61-50%, however, the rate of small cell carcinoma increased from 19-24%, and the rate of adenocarcinoma from 20-26%. There was a shift in the male/female ratio in Turkey. The rate of squamous cell carcinoma decreased, however, small cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma increased progressively

Transudates in malignancy: still a role for pleural fluid

<p><b>INTRODUCTION</b>The aims of this study were to determine the distribution of transudates and exudates among pathologically proven malignant pleural effusions, and to demonstrate the necessity for cytologic studies in patients with a transudative effusion.</p><p><b>MATERIALS AND METHODS</b>This study is a retrospective review of all subjects diagnosed with malignant or paramalignant pleural effusion over a 10-year period at a tertiary hospital. The study included 67 subjects with malignant mesothelioma, 45 subjects with metastatic disease, and 36 subjects with paramalignant effusions.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>There were 55 female and 93 male subjects; the mean age of the sample was 62 years. Malignant pleural effusions were transudative in 1.5% of malignant mesotheliomas, 6.8% of metastatic diseases, and 11.1% of paramalignant effusions.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Cytological examination of pleural fluid in patients with unexplained transudative effusion is essential to rule out malignant processes.</p>