[To the differential diagnosis of bronchiolo-alveolar-cell carcinoma in early state (author's transl)].

Prompt surgical treatment of the solitary form of bronchiolo-alveolar-cell carcinoma offers a good survival rate in comparison with bronchogenic carcinoma; the prognosis of the diffuse form is poor. Review of 28 cases of solitary BAC showed an airbronchogram in 36% and a tail sign in 85% of cases; both features were found in 32% of tumors. The air bronchogram seems to be specific for this type of tumours, the tail sign is found with granulomatous or inflammatory diseases as well. In the differential diagnosis of a peripheral coin lesion with air bronchogramm and tail sign, without calcifications and atelectasis, a BAC should be taken into serious consideration.