Primary Article
Sputum Cytology in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Lung Cancer
Abstract
To evaluate the contribution of sputum cytology to the diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer, 918 cases of lung cancer were reviewed. Of 105 patients with positive sputum cytology, 93 had other invasive procedures to establish the cell type or stage or to attempt to cure the disease. In 12 patients the presence of positive sputum prevented further invasive evaluation. Thus, the real benefit of sputum cytology was reduced to 12 patients, or little over 1% of the total number of lung cancer patients. It is concluded that sputum cytology is not an effective diagnostic approach to suspected lung cancer. It rarely precluded invasive procedures because it failed to contribute to the staging of the disease. Therefore, it should be used in only those patients in whom the yield of positive sputum would direct therapy other than surgery.This content is limited to qualifying members.
Existing members, please login first
If you have an existing account please login now to access this article or view purchase options.
Purchase only this article ($25)
Create a free account, then purchase this article to download or access it online for 24 hours.
Purchase an SMJ online subscription ($75)
Create a free account, then purchase a subscription to get complete access to all articles for a full year.
Purchase a membership plan (fees vary)
Premium members can access all articles plus recieve many more benefits. View all membership plans and benefit packages.