55 degrees posterior oblique tomography of the pulmonary hilum in the evaluation of lung tumors.

Findings at 55 degrees posterior oblique tomography and chest films were compared to those at thoracotomy in 53 patients with malignant lung tumor. A correct evaluation of presence of lymph node metastases was made by tomography in 44 of the patients. Lack of tissue diagnosis at tomography makes mediastinoscopy better as a staging procedure. Oblique hilotomography is mainly indicated as a method for accurate evaluation of the questionably large hilum.