Chest radiographic findings in bronchogenic carcinoma in Pakistani population

ABSTRACT

To observe the common radiographic findings in histologically confirmed cases of bronchogenic carcinoma. This descriptive study comprised of 35 consecutive histopathologically / cytological confirmed cases of bronchogenic carcinoma that were admitted from January 2000 to April 2003 in Bahawal Victoria hospital Bahawalpur. Plain chest radiographs were obtained in all cases. Two radiologists blinded to the cell types were asked to interpret the radiographs. Hilar mass was the major manifestation in 62.8% cases. Chest radiographs showed 7 different types of lesions in four cell varieties in 35 cases, these included hilar mass in 62% cases of squamous cell carcinoma. Cavitation and rib erosion were found exclusively in squamous cell type carcinoma. In small cell carcinomas, hilar involvement was present in 83.3% cases. Half of large cell carcinomas and one case of adenocarcinoma presented with a peripheral mass. Hilar mass was seen in 50% cases with adenocarcinoma. Wide mediastinum was seen only in cases with small cell carcinoma. The chest radiograph findings in brochogenic carcinoma has more or less a standard patterns which can help the physician in better suspicion and diagnosis