Palliation of endobronchial disease: flexible and rigid bronchoscopic options

Many patients with lung cancer develop airway obstruction and hemoptysis. Endoscopic palliation can relieve symptoms and improve the quality of life for many patients. Patient factors, lesion characteristics and location, and regional expertise are important to consider when planning therapy. Cost, convenience, time to relief of symptoms, duration of palliation, and the need for serial procedures should also be considered. Further advances in technology will likely allow better palliation in the future. A wide armamentarium of modalities and careful communication with the patient's other providers are essential for optimal patient outcome.