[Potentials of the cytological method in the differential diagnosis of infiltrative processes of various etiology in the lungs].

Results of examination of 143 patients with the lung infiltrative lesions of various etiology (tuberculosis, carcinoma, acute pneumonia) are analysed. Cytological examination of the sputum, bronchial smears and lavage liquid allowed one to diagnose cytologically lung carcinoma in 67% and tuberculosis in 36% cases. Certain combinations of nonspecific cell elements in the bronchial content also helped to make the differential diagnosis between the infiltrative tuberculosis, carcinoma and acute pneumonia. The most informative is the examination of the lavage liquid.