obsolete lung occult carcinoma

Lung occult carcinoma, also known as occult lung cancer, refers to a type of lung cancer that is not easily detectable through standard diagnostic methods. Since it's an "obsolete" term, I'll assume you're looking for information on the signs and symptoms of early-stage or asymptomatic lung cancer.

Early Signs and Symptoms

• A new cough that doesn't go away [10]
• Chest pain [13]
• Coughing up blood, even a small amount [15]
• Hoarseness [15]
• Shortness of breath [15]
• Wheezing [15]

These symptoms may be mistaken for other conditions, especially in nonsmokers. It's essential to note that many lung cancers in the early stages do not have noticeable symptoms.

Lesser-Known Symptoms

• Anemia, thrombocytosis, and leukocytosis (often with granulocytosis) can all be seen in patients with lung cancer [5]
• Sustained fecal occult blood can be a manifestation of GI metastasis in lung cancer patients [3]

Red Flag Symptoms

• Sudden or worsening shortness of breath needs immediate attention, as it can be caused by many things other than cancer, including heart problems [13]
• Chest pain should not be ignored and warrants prompt investigation [13]

Keep in mind that these symptoms may not necessarily indicate lung cancer, but rather a potential warning sign. If you're experiencing any unusual symptoms, consult your healthcare provider for proper evaluation and diagnosis.

References:

[3] by T Suzuki · 2022 · Cited by 9 — [5] by M Shafiq · 2011 · Cited by 11 — [10] Many lung cancers in the early stages do not have noticeable symptoms. [13] These lesser-known symptoms may be mistaken for other conditions—particularly for nonsmokers, who may not be looking for signs of lung cancer. [15] Signs and symptoms that happen when lung cancer spreads to other parts of the body may include:

Diagnostic Tests for Obsolete Lung Occult Carcinoma

Obtaining an accurate diagnosis of lung cancer, particularly when it is occult (hidden), can be a challenging task. In the past, various diagnostic tests were used to detect and confirm lung cancer in individuals with no apparent symptoms or radiographic evidence.

• Sputum Cytology: This was considered the initial step in diagnosing roentgenographically occult lung cancer [5]. Sputum cytology involves examining a sample of sputum (spit) for abnormal cells. It is most effective in detecting early epidermoid (squamous) carcinomas of major bronchi [15].
• Chest X-rays: Chest X-rays were the primary imaging modality used to detect lung cancer, particularly in individuals with symptoms or radiographic abnormalities [9]. However, they are not as sensitive as modern computed tomography (CT) scans.
• Computed Tomography (CT) Scans: CT scans have become the standard tool for detecting and staging lung cancer. They provide detailed images of the lungs and surrounding tissues, allowing for more accurate diagnosis and treatment planning [11].
• Flexible Fiberoptic Bronchoscopy: This procedure involves inserting a flexible tube with a camera into the airways to visualize the tracheobronchial tree. It is currently the standard tool for localizing radiographically occult carcinomas of the tracheobronchial tree [7].

Current Diagnostic Approach

The current diagnostic approach for lung cancer emphasizes the use of CT scans and other advanced imaging modalities, such as positron emission tomography (PET) scans, to detect and stage the disease. The goals of diagnostic testing are to establish a diagnosis and determine the stage of the disease so that appropriate therapy can be initiated [9].

References

[5] Sputum cytology is complementary to CT scanning in diagnosing roentgenographically occult lung cancer.

[7] Flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopy is currently the standard tool for localizing radiographically occult carcinomas of the tracheobronchial tree.

[9] The goals of diagnostic testing in patients with suspected lung cancer are to establish the diagnosis and determine the stage of the disease so that appropriate therapy can be initiated.

[11] Imaging examination methods of lung cancer mainly include chest X-ray, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasound, radionuclide scanning, and positron emission tomography (PET) scans.

The differential diagnosis of occult lung carcinoma, particularly in its obsolete forms, can be a complex and challenging task. According to various studies [1,2,3], the radiologic differential diagnosis for occult lung cancer includes conditions such as:

• Drug reaction
• Bronchiolitis obliterans-organizing pneumonia (BOOP)
• Infectious etiology, including fungal disease

Additionally, early invasive carcinomas pose significant problems in localization [4]. In a study of 54 patients with radiologically occult lung squamous cell carcinoma, bronchoscopic examination was found to be a useful tool for diagnosis [5].

It's also worth noting that the differential diagnosis between Carcinoma of Unknown Primary (CUP) and non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) can be particularly difficult, as 40% of lung cancers are negative for TTF1 [6]. This highlights the importance of careful evaluation and consideration of multiple diagnostic possibilities.

In terms of specific diagnostic approaches, a combination of radiologic examination, bronchoscopic examination, and pathological confirmation is often necessary to establish a diagnosis. For example, in a series of 195 cases of primary carcinoma of the lung previously reported from Charity Hospital of Louisiana at New Orleans [7], clinical diagnosis was confirmed by roentgenologic examination, bronchoscopic examination, necropsy, or all three methods.

References:

[1] Context result 6 [2] Context result 4 [3] Context result 9 [4] Context result 12 [5] Context result 12 [6] Context result 7 [7] Context result 8