The role of bronchoscopy and the diagnosis and staging of lung cancer

Abstract

Bronchoscopy is one of the key investigations in the diagnosis and staging of patients with suspected lung cancer. It should be utilized in conjunction with a clinical assessment and radiological evaluation of the patient. The symptoms and signs that should prompt further assessment are listed in Table 10.1. We advocate a low threshold for performing a chest radiograph in patients with clinical features suspicious of neoplasia, and computed tomography (CT) of the thorax and abdomen in patients with a significant suspicion of lung cancer. Bronchoscopy compliments the assessment of these patients and allows visual examination of the vocal cords, trachea, and endobronchial tree down to the subsegmental level. Specimens can also be obtained during flexible bronchoscopy.