Abstract
1 . A series of twelve patients with solitary lung metastases from primary tumours of bone is reviewed. There were seven osteosarcomas, two chondrosarcomas, two fibrosarcomas and one malignant chondroblastoma. In each patient the lung desposit was resected.
2. Four patients have so far died from the disease. The average survival of the others since pulmonary resection is six years and seven months.
3. It is suggested that the results of pulmonary resection in carefully selected patients with solitary pulmonary metastases fully justify the procedure.
4. Careful investigation to ensure as far as possible that the metastasis is solitary, and a "waiting period" in case others should develop, are essential if unnecessary surgery is to be avoided. A waiting period of three months is recommended.
