An evaluation of factors relevant to the diagnosis of bronchial carcinoma in Sri Lanka
Stephen, S.J.; Uragoda, C.G.
Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene 79(3): 46-48
1976
ISSN/ISBN: 0022-5304 PMID: 1263295 Document Number: 107516
The incidence of bronchial carcinoma in Sri Lanka is low. The extent to which its pattern varies from that prevailing in western countries is demonstrated by a study of 84 cases diagnosed over a 10-year period. Of the patients examined 45-2 per cent were non-smokers, all 17 women belonging to this category. A negative smoking history, especially in women, was not a useful guide in assessing a suspected lesion. Adenocarcinoma, which is usually peripheral, comprised a high proportion of the tumours (22-6%). The majority of cases (70-3%) had had peripheral tumours which were beyond bronchoscopic visibility. Therefore, bronchoscopy was not as useful a diagnostic procedure as in the West. Digital clubbing was seen in less than half the males, while only two females had this sign.