Abstract
To the Editor:— Many factors have been implicated in the causation of lung carcinoma. Exposure to cigarette smoke is assigned the major epidemiologic role at present. However, occupational exposures to asbestos, chromium, beryllium, arsenic, coal gas, and various industrial fumes have all been recognized as factors contributing to an increased risk in the development of lung cancer. Also, pulmonary scarring resulting from war-gas injury and from some pulmonary infections has been receiving increasing attention. Bronchogenic carcinoma has not been produced in animals by inhalation of cigarette smoke, although experiments utilizing beryllium- and nickel-dust inhalation have been successful. Stanton and Blackwell ( J Nat Cancer Inst 27 : 375-407, 1961) have induced pulmonary epidermoid carcinoma in rats by the intravenous injection of methyl cholanthrene. This potent carcinogen localized in areas of induced pulmonary infarction. Tumors arose in those sites. In addition to these epidemiologic and experimental factors, at least three other considerations must
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