Cavitation of squamous carcinoma of the lung.

This study indicates that a good percentage of the cavitary squamous cell carcinomas of the lung can be suggested throught the use of sputum cytology. Hyperkeratinized malignant cells associated with varying degrees of karyorrhexis, "ghost cells," and a diathesis of purulent exudate are helpful in the identification of this tumor type. The cell population found cytologically can be demonstrated in the histologic sections of cavitary squamous cell carcinoma of the lung. We readily admit that the application of the above criteria will not decrease the mortality or morbidity of lung cancer, but can be used as a refinement of a diagnostic tool.