The Roentgenologic Identification of Pulmonary Metastases: Evaluation of An Operatively-Proved Series

Abstract

Retrospective evalution of 42 operatively-proved cases of metastatic pulmonary malignancy utilizing standard radiographic techniques demonstrated that the number and location of pulmonary metastases could be accurately detected in 66 per cent of the cases. Radiographic evidence of multiplicity of metastases or the presence of extrapulmonary metastases was a grave prognostic omen. The composite five-year survival rate of 27 individuals with this distribution of metastases was seven per cent (two survivors). The five-year survival of 18 individuals with a solitary metastasis confined to the pulmonary parenchyma was 39 per cent (seven survivors). It is proposed that roentgenologic examination utilizing special techniques to carefully evaluate the pulmonary parenchyma and mediastinum will materially aid in selection of those patients with pulmonary metastases to whom thoracotomy offers the greatest benefit.