[Microcellular bronchial cancer. Current general and therapeutic problems].

Small cell carcinomas constitute about 15-20% of all primary lung tumours. They are divided into oat cell and intermediate cell carcinomas. Pathognomonic neurosecretory granules have been detected in the cytoplasm of these cells by electron microscopy. Their ectodermic origin is now questioned by some authors. The treatment and prognosis of these carcinomas vary according to whether they are initially localized or diffuse. Chemotherapy in biphasic courses seems to be required to obtain complete remission. Mediastinal radiotherapy may help control the initial lesion. Surgery is no longer to be avoided in all cases. Small cell carcinomas are usually lethal, but their median survival time has increased over the last few years.