Objective To investigate the optimal method of catheterization for lung cancer patients by comparing external jugular vein catheter,subclavian vein catheter,peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) and femoral vein catheter.Methods 275 lung cancer patients treated with the 4 types of catheterization were selected for this retrospective review from December 2007 to April 2013,including 38 who were inserted with external jugular vein catheter,96 with subclavian vein catheter,106 with PICC,and 35 with femoral vein catheter.Success rate (one-time and total),mean catheterization time,mean catheter indwelling time,incidences of catheter-related complications,and patient comfort of the 4 groups were compared.Results The success rates of the 4 groups were not significantly different (P =0.595) ; mean catheterization time and catheter indwelling time were significantly different (both P =0.000).The mean catheterization time in the PICC group was significantly shorter than those in the external jugular vein group,subclavian vein group and the femoral vein group (P =0.004,P =0.003,P =0.006),and the mean catheter indwelling time was significantly longer than in the other 3 groups (P =0.001,P =0.000,P =0.002).Total incidence of complications during catheterization and catheter indwelling was significantly different among the 4 groups (P =0.002) ; patient comfort was found correlated with catheterization method (r =0.318,P =0.000).Conclusions The 4 types of deep-vein catheterization are all mature techniques with high success rates.The most appropriate catheterization method should be decided based on individual conditions of each lung cancer patient.