Differentiation of Right-Upper-Lobe Pneumonia from Bronchogenic Carcinoma

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Abstract
IT is well established that slowly resolving pneumonias may indicate the presence of underlying pulmonary neoplasms. Even when special studies such as sputum cytology and bronchoscopy are negative, thoracotomy is often performed in such cases because of the possibility that a tumor is present. Although these principles are unquestionably sound, the risks of thoracotomy are by no means negligible, especially in elderly patients with borderline pulmonary function. In such cases it is obviously desirable to avoid a major surgical procedure whenever possible.The present paper is concerned with 23 patients observed during the past six years in whom delayed resolution . . .