EARLY SQUAMOUS-CELL CARCINOMA OF THE LUNG - CT AND PATHOLOGICAL CORRELATION

PURPOSE: To study the factors that influence computed tomographic (CT) visibility of early squamous cell carcinoma, which was defined as a l esion confined to the bronchial wall without lymph node metastasis. MA TERIALS AND METHODS: CT was performed in 18 patients with 18 early squ amous cell carcinoma lesions. The 5.0-mm or thinner sections were revi ewed independently by three observers who were aware of the bronchosco pic findings, and the visibility of the lesions was correlated with hi stopathologic findings. RESULTS: Tumors consisted of 13 flat and five polypoid lesions. Three of the lesions were epithelial, eight were sub epithelial, and seven were cartilaginous or extracartilaginous. Eleven lesions were visualized at CT as an endobronchial mass or focal bronc hial wall thickening. Lesions with polypoid growth and/or cartilaginou s or extracartilaginous invasion were all visualized, even on 5-mm-thi ck sections. Subepithelial lesions could be demonstrated when located at bronchi with craniocaudal orientation. CONCLUSION: CT is a valuable tool for diagnosis of early squamous cell carcinomas, particularly wh en lesions show polypoid growth and/or invade the cartilaginous layer.