Radiographic patterns in lung cancer.

Three hundred seventy three previously diagnosed patients with lung cancer, attending the Lung Cancer Clinic at this institute were studied. Chest radiographs were interpreted in all cases. Radiography was compared in different cell types. Squamous cell carcinoma 158 (42.4%), followed by small cell lung cancer 122 (32.7%), was the commonest histological subtype. Upper zone was involved in maximum number of cases 158 (42%), followed by mid zone 122 (32.7%), lower zone 60 (16%) and the entire lung 33(8.8%). Adenocarcinoma presented as a peripheral mass in 37 (61%) cases and in 23 (38.3%) as a central lesion. Presentation as a central mass (114, 72.2% cases) was more common among squamous cell carcinoma than as a peripheral lesion (44, 27.8% cases). Similarly, small cell cancer also presented more commonly as a central lesion (102, 83.6% cases) than as a peripheral lesion (20, 16.4% cases). Isolated pleural effusion was present in 3.8% in squamous cell lung cancer, 22% in adenocarcinoma and only 4% in small cell lung cancer.