RADIOLOGICALLY OCCULT LUNG-CANCER IN THE PERIPHERAL REGION

A rare case of radiologically occult lung cancer in the peripheral reg ion beyond bronchoscopic visibility is reported. A 69-year-old female was referred because of positive sputum cytology. Despite detailed bro nchoscopic and otorhinoralyngologic examinations, the source of malign ant cells was not localized. During the follow-up period, squamous cel l carcinoma of the lung periphery was detected radiologically three ye ars after its presence was detected in sputum. Awareness of the existe nce of this type of cancer and careful follow-up are important in the management of patients with positive sputum cytology and no evidence o f cancer.