[Detection and diagnosis of small peripheral lung cancers less than 15 mm in diameter].
OBJECTIVE
To assess the value of chest film, conventional CT (CCT), Spiral CT (SCT) and high resolution CT (HRCT) for detection and diagnosis of small peripheral lung cancers less than 15 mm in diameter.


METHODS
Chest film, CCT, SCT and HRCT were taken in 59 cases of peripheral lung cancers less than 15 mm in diameter confirmed by operation and pathology. Their value in the diagnosis was analysed retrospectively.


RESULTS
In 47% of chest films and 17% of CCT, the small lung cancer was not detected. However no tumor escaped detection by SCT. HRCT was superior for showing density and detailed image signs compared to chest film and CCT. The CT features of small peripheral lung cancers was different from those of larger peripheral lung cancers.


CONCLUSIONS
The SCT is the best method for detection, and HRCT for diagnosis of small peripheral lung cancers less than 15 mm in diameter.
Han
Y
Y
Department of Radiology, Dalian University Affiliated Central Hospital, Dalian 116033, China.
Yuan
Y
Y
Chu
J
J
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D018288:Carcinoma, Small Cell / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods