PubMed Health⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

D J DUGAN

Publications and source records attributed to D J DUGAN.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1954

The solitary pulmonary lesion.

Pulmonary cancer when localized to the lung, is curable by operation. Tumors found by routine x-ray examination before they cause symptoms are much more often confined to the lung and as such are curable. Unlike other internal growths which are more hidden, lung tumors can often be seen early on x-ray films of the chest.X-ray films of the chest were made routinely on all patients entering a hospital, regardless of the nature of their illness. In all, some 40,000 films were made. Sixty patients were found to have unsuspected solitary lesions in the lung. Twenty-four of the lesions were diagnosed and treated by operation and removal. Twelve were diagnosed by other methods. Of the 36, eight were cancer of the lung, an incidence of 22 per cent. There were also 14 localized tuberculous nodules which are best treated by removal. Since early cancer is surgically curable, it is felt that everyone over the age of 40 should have a routine x-ray examination of the chest every six months. Solitary lesions of the lung found should be excised for diagnosis.

Humans↗
PubMed1952

Pulmonary resection in tuberculosis.

Newer surgical and anesthetic techniques and the use of streptomycin and para-aminosalicylic acid (PAS) have made possible increased success in pulmonary resection for tuberculosis. Especially in early cases, however, bed rest and pneumothorax or pneumoperitoneum should be given adequate trial before resection is decided upon. In all cases a thorough bronchoscopic examination should be made first and the findings carefully evaluated. Pulmonary resection may be advisable for lesions of certain kinds which do not respond well to thoracotomy; for lesions which have not responded to trial of other methods; for a lung destroyed by tuberculosis; and in cases of active disease in an unexpanded lung. The experience of the author and of others emphasizes the importance of correct postoperative care. Since tuberculosis is rarely limited to the resected area, at least six months' rest in bed under medical supervision is necessary to permit cure of residual disease. Streptomycin with PAS is particularly valuable in the postoperative period; therefore indiscriminate use of it in earlier treatment should be avoided lest resistance develop.

Aminosalicylic Acid↗
PubMed1951

The treatment of mediastinal tumors.

Because there can be no certainty of diagnosis without it, thoracotomy is indicated in cases in which there is roentgenographic evidence of mediastinal tumor. "Watchful waiting" is considered unwise because the tumor may be malignant when first observed or may later undergo malignant change. Even if the lesion is and remains benign, an increase in the size of the mass may cause obstructive pressures necessitating operation ultimately. Moreover, infection and inflammation may develop at the site during prolonged observation, making operation more difficult. The hazards of thoracotomy, which have been greatly reduced in the last few years, are less than the hazards of waiting.

Humans↗