Multiple primary bronchial carcinoma—report of two cases and a review

Two cases are reported of bilateral synchronous primary bronchial carcinoma of different histological type. Both cases were diagnosed in life before the start of treatment; in one case the two types of carcinoma cell were identified in sputum smears. The literature contains some account of at least 74 cases of multiple primary bronchial carcinoma and certain important features of these are recorded and analysed in the present paper. The diagnostic criteria and pathogenesis are outlined and discussed. It is shown that recognition of these tumours is important in relation to prognosis and therapy.