Diagnostic value of brush biopsy in suspected bronchial carcinoma with the use of the flexible fibre bronchoscope

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
In a 12-mo. period, brush biopsy through a fiberoptic bronchoscope was performed on 125 consecutive patients who were clinically or radiographically suspected of lung cancer. Of the patients, 62 appeared to have lung cancer. Cytological analysis of the brush-biopsy specimens was positive in 69%. A total of 58% had positive biopsy, and 58% had cancer cells in the bronchial secretion aspirated during the bronchoscopy; 35% had positive mediastinoscopy. When the methods of examination were combined, the diagnosis could be established in 90% of the patients. Brush biopsy and cytological analysis, in combination with the other methods of examination, increase the diagnostic sensitivity in bronchoscopically visible tumors. In bronchoscopically invisible tumors, brush cytological analysis, together with the study of bronchial secretion and fine-needle puncture, is the most effective diagnostic method. The diagnostic possibilities can presumably be further improved by the use of fluoroscopic control in 2 planes during the bronchoscopy.