Thin-slice high-resolution computed tomography in peripheral small lung cancer

This is a retrospective analysis of 18 thin-slice computed tomography (CT) scans (serial 1.5-mm thick sections) obtained from 17 patients with surgically proven peripheral small lung cancer (3 cm or less in diameter). The findings were compared with pathologic findings in transversely sliced specimens. Thin-slice CT was excellent in delineating features specific to lung cancer, which correlated well with the pathologic findings. It was also capable of delineating small cavities within the tumor. Histologically, these small cavities corresponded to dilated bronchioles for papillary adenocarcinoma and to tumor necrosis for squamous cell carcinoma. In the case of highly differentiated papillarly adenocarcinoma, fibrous or necrotic central site was distinguished from infiltrative marginal site by different density. The results indicate the potential of thin-slice CT for estimating histological type, as well as for differentiating malignant from benign tumors. (Namekawa, K.)