Lung cancer: a review of 589 Malaysian patients.

Between 1978 and 1986, 589 patients with primary lung cancer were seen at the National Tuberculosis Centre, Kuala Lumpur. Eighty-three per cent were male and most were aged from 40 to 80 years. The patients were predominantly Chinese and 87% were current smokers or ex-smokers. The cell type was known in 538 patients (91%). There was a larger proportion of adenocarcinoma in the women than the man (42% v 25%; p < 0.01), in patients aged 50 years and under (p < 0.01) and in non-smokers than smokers (48% v 26%); p < 0.01). Only 27 patients (5%) underwent surgical treatment; the other patients had radiotherapy, chemotherapy or symptomatic treatment. Problems with management of patients with lung cancer in Malaysia are discussed.