The thoracic surgical investigation of patients suspected of having a bronchial carcinoma

Abstract

The patient suspected of having a bronchial carcinoma is investigated both to establish the diagnosis and to reach a decision on the most appropriate form of management—operative or otherwise. The purpose of this paper is to define the shortest route of investigation in given sets of circumstances so that both the diagnosis and the most appropriate management can be decided upon with least disturbance to the patient and with least expense.