Document yz8maYrE8p1xy1QEk2byJ8bV
itJgHfl
,24
lu one of these caeee, the suspicion of cancer of tho lung Is
based upon the x-ray Interpretation and, although no autopsy was porformed,
the death certificate Indicates that death was due to lung cancer, it Is well
known that the x-ray appearance of fibrosis, especially U a localised density
or a superimposed tuberculous lesion is present, can simulate that of a tumor,
and by Itself, does not justify the Inclusion of this caso as one of ''proved"
cancer of the lung. A second case wao certified as having dlod by reason of
hydrothorax, possibly due to lung cancer, but again there was no surgery and
no post-mortem examination, la tho third caso, although It was subjected to
autopsy, two pathologists dloagroed as to whether lung cancer was present.
The death was certified ns having been due to chronic myocarditis with neph-
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rltto and pulmonary congestion, and possibly cancer of the lung. On the basis
of thooe facts, it eeems unwarranted to Include these throo cases among
"provod" Instances of lung cancer. On the other hand, they, cannot. In fair
ness, be disregarded completely, Xt Is for this reason that mortality rates
hsve been calculated both ways,
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Tablo /fi' gives the ratae by age groups.