Occult lung cancer in patients with bullous emphysema.
BACKGROUND
The incidence of lung cancer is increased in patients with bullous emphysema.


METHODS
A series of 95 patients undergoing excision of bullous lung tissue was reviewed to determine the incidence and long term outcome of occult carcinoma present in the resected material.


RESULTS
Four patients (4.2%) had peripheral foci of large cell carcinoma in the resection specimen (three bullectomies and one lobectomy).


CONCLUSIONS
Resected bullous lung tissue should be carefully examined for areas of bronchogenic carcinoma. The results of incidental complete excision are favourable.
Venuta
F
F
Department of Thoracic Surgery, University di Roma La Sapienza, Policlinico Umberto I, Italy.
Rendina
E A
EA
Pescarmona
E O
EO
De Giacomo
T
T
Vizza
D
D
Flaishman
I
I
Ricci
C
C
D000328:Adult; D002283:Carcinoma, Bronchogenic / Q000150:complications* / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000150:complications* / Q000473:pathology; D008875:Middle Aged; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D009382:Neoplasms, Unknown Primary / Q000473:pathology; D011656:Pulmonary Emphysema / Q000150:complications* / Q000473:pathology; D012189:Retrospective Studies