[Correlation between bronchoscopically visible aspects and histopathologic results in patients with suspected lung...

The aim of our study was to determine correlation between bronchoscopically visible lesions and histopathologic classification and whether cytology and histopathology can complement each other in diagnosis of pulmonary neoplasm. Fibroptic flexible bronchoscopy was performed in 208 patients who where suspected of having lung cancer--abnormal chest x-ray or hemoptysis. Material for histopathologic examination was obtained from bronchial brushings, bronchial forceps biopsy and bronchial washings. Positive results were classified as non--small cell or small cell carcinomas. All patients were questioned about smoking history. In 165 patients there were visible signs of neoplasm in bronchoscopic examination: tumor, necrosis, infiltration, compression. Histopathology was positive in 90 cases:small cell carcinoma 32%, non-small cell carcinoma 68%. In 23 cases material for histopathologic examination was obtained from both bronchial brushings and foceps biopsies: results were compatible in 78%. Bronchial brushings identified neoplasm in three additional cases. In analysed group of 208 patients cancer cells were found in 43%. Examination of bronchial brushings coplements forceps biopsy in diagnosing and typing lung neoplasms and could be performed more frequently in patients undergoing fiberoptic bronchoscopy.