Significant changes in the distribution of histologic types of lung cancer. A review of 4928 cases.

The histopathologic data for lung carcinoma were reviewed in 4928 patients between 1964 and 1985. The analysis of this data indicates that lung cancer is increasing in our region. Squamous carcinoma remains the most frequent type in men, followed by adenocarcinoma. Small cell carcinoma is the second most frequent type in women, after adenocarcinoma. Small cell carcinoma has increased over the past years and may become the most common type of lung cancer in women, a development that might result in increased numbers of deaths. Lung cancer data must be carefully analyzed in view of the impact on selection of therapy, patient management, and education.