Giant cell carcinoma of lung: a cytologic evaluation.

Twelve cases of giant cell carcinoma of the lung are reported. These were all studied histologically and in all but one case cytologic material was examined from sputa and bronchial washings. The cytologic criteria for diagnosis are evaluated, and are considered sufficiently reproducivle as to allow confident diagnostic interpretation. Precise morphologic classification of primary lung carcinoma is important since the significance of the various types in terms of their biologic behavior and prognosis has been established.