In a survey of the literature of the past six years on carcinoma of the lung, a great many articles were found dealing with its increasing frequency, and giving detailed statistical studies. There is also considerable literature concerning the possible etiology, the pathology and diagnosis of carcinoma of the lung, but little is mentioned about treatment, probably because few cases have been dealt with successfully.
Surgical treatment is recommended by a number of men, but few successful cases are reported (Sauerbruch, Davies, Lilienthal, Lenhartz). Roentgen therapy has been attempted, but with the fear that fibrosis of the lung may accompany the shrinkage of the tumor, as it sometimes has done (Rolland, Schroeder). This therapy is perhaps used as a palliative measure, with the hope of some temporary relief. Radium has also been applied externally, but without success.
There is still another manner of treatment which has been mentioned only occasionally.