Tuberc Respir Dis.  1985 Mar;32(1):59-62. 10.4046/trd.1985.32.1.59.

Hemoptysis in Heavy Smokers

• KMID: 2528758
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4046/trd.1985.32.1.59

Abstract

Despite all available methods of diagnosis and treatment, the general prognosis for lung cancer is still not good. Even with early detection and optimum care, there is no assurance of a cure for any particular patients. Yet, it may be assumed that in general the earlier a case is treated, the greater will be the chance of obtaining a cure; and that patients with occult stage (T_x. N₀ . M₀) or in situ carcinoma are the best candidates. Since the majority of previously reported cases of “in situ" have proved to be radiologically occult lesions in symptomatic patients, it became more practical to use the term “Radiologically Occult Lung Cancer," w hich first reported in 1947 by the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. We reviewed a case of a 53-year-old man who noted a long duration of cough and recent exacerbation of hemoptysis. Sputum cytology disclosed epidermoid carcinoma while it was still not evident by routine chest X-ray. The morphology and location of the lesion was confirmed by bronchofiberscopic examination.