OCCULT LUNG-CANCER IN PATIENTS WITH BULLOUS EMPHYSEMA

Background - The incidence of lung cancer is increased in patients wit h bullous emphysema. Methods - A series of 95 patients undergoing exci sion of bullous lung tissue was reviewed to determine the incidence an d long term outcome of occult carcinoma present in the resected materi al. Results - Four patients (4.2%) had peripheral foci of large cell. carcinoma in the resection specimen (three bullectomies and one lobect omy). Conclusions - Resected bullous lung tissue should be carefully e xamined for areas of bronchogenic carcinoma. The results of incidental complete excision are favourable.