Lung cancer--current concepts and controversies.

The recent literature contains a variety of controversial management alternatives for patients with pulmonary malignancy that affect all aspects of the lung cancer problem. Revisions in the classification system have been advanced in which the prognostic implications of specific ultrastructural and histochemical information are acknowledged. Computed tomography and, to a lesser extent, nuclide scanning have revolutionized the staging process, but limitations in these procedures are emerging. Improved survival following aggressive surgical treatment has challenged the adequacy of the standard staging system. The palliative role of radiotherapy is becoming more widely appreciated. Results of immunotherapy are equivocal and gains from chemotherapy are modest. Combinations of treatment modalities will require further documentation before they can be recommended with confidence.