Methods to Improve Bronchoscopic Diagnosis of Lung Cancer

Abstract

Bronchoscopic examination was performed in 206 patients with lung cancer. In 164 of the patients (76.9%) the diagnosis of lung cancer was made by biopsy and brushing cytology. Additional cytologic examination of all aspirated fluids during bronchoscopic examination, fluids used to wash biopsy and brushing instruments, broncho-alveolar lavage fluids and sputum following bronchoscopic examination increased the rate to 85.4% (176 patients). Cytologic examination of all aspirated fluids during bronchoscopic examination was especially useful.