X-CT diagnosis of the T-factor in bronchogenic carcinomas

T-factors in 119 operated cases with lung carcinoma were prospectively evaluated by the use of CT. Accurate diagnosis was made in 82 % of the cases, over-estimation was observed in 14 % and under-estimation in 4 %. Over-estimation was often observed in epidermoid carcinomas. In the 18 cases who underwent chest wall resection and/or parietal pleurectomy, accurate diagnosis was made in only 44 % of the cases. In the cases with scanty extrapleural fatty layer, there was noted a tendency to overestimate due to the presence of the pleural thickening and/or adhesion. However, it was easy for CT to demonstrate the chest wall mass formation or rib destruction. CT was useful for the decision of resectability. (author)