Carcinoma of the Lung in iceland:A Summary and Some Reflections Concerning More Recent Principles for Diagnosis and Treatment

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Abstract
During the period 1931-1964, 197 cases of primary carcinoma of the lung were diagnosed in Iceland. From 1964 to May 1968, 48 additional cases were admitted to the Department of Thoracic Surgery, but the total number of such cases during that period is still unknown. Carcinoma of the lung is increasing in Iceland, and there is a definite correlation with the sale of cigarettes. The incidence among women, particularly in urban areas, is high. The relationship between smoking and histological classification is discussed, as well as the smoking habits of young people. There is a preponderance of oat cell and undifferentiated carcinoma in this series. The histological classification is shown of patients undergoing resections and exploratory thoracotomies and of those excluded from surgery. To the Department of Thoracic Surgery 131 patients were admitted during the period 1955-May 1968. Surgery was performed in 84 patients: 36 resections and 48 exploratory thoracotomies (operability rate 64.1% and 42.9%, resectability rate). The mortality rate was 6% in the group of exploratory thoracotomies and 2.8% in the resected series. Of the latter series, 75 % were pneumonectomies and 25% lobectomies. Twenty-six per cent of the pneumomectomies were extended resections with no mortalities. Prognosis is most favourable for patients with squamous cell carcinoma. In the 1955-1964 series, 48 % were resected and 70 % were alive three to seven years later. Of the patients with alveolar cell carcinoma, who were resected during the same period, 33.3% were alive in 1967, i.e. three to seven years later.

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