[Evaluation of chest radiography in primary lung cancer]

ABSTRACT

Primary lung cancer is the most common lethal carcinoma in both male and female. Unfortounately, signs and symptoms of lung cancer are non-specific. The most common manifestations are coughing, hemoptysis, dyspnea, chest pain, weight loss and hoarseness. Twenty five percent of patients are asymptomatic and are diagnosed with the abnormality of CXR. The aim of this study was evaluation of outcome of chest radiography in patients with lung cancer. This descriptive study was done in Imam Reza Hospital during the year 1383. As CXR is accessible, easy and low cost, it is suggested as the first step in lung cancer diagnosis. 100 known cases of lung cancer were evaluted. Fiberoptic bronchoscopy and bronchial or parenchymal biopsy plus culture and regular laboratory tests were done for all patients before entering the study. Data was collected in questionaire and Analyzed by descriptive statistics. The mean age of patients was 62 years. The highest frequency was found in the 6[th] decade, 77% were smokers. Right lung involvement as revealed by plain and lateral chest radiography was found to be more frequent. The most common abnormal radiographic finding was bronchial obstruction [collapse, atelectasis, obstructive pneumonia]. Since lung cancer is so lethal, early diagnosis would have great influence on disease process and treatment result. Chest radiography is a chip, easy available diagnostic method, highly recommended to at-risk patients