[Cytological diagnosis of bronchial cancers from samples obtained through broncho-fibroscopy]

The results of cytological studies of samples obtained by fibre endoscopy of the bronchus in 160 cases of bronchial ; carcinoma were analysed. Thanks to the routine use of brushing, aspiration, often selective and sputum examination, the diagnosis was obtained in 62% of cases. Naturally it was mainly positive in the proximal budding forms (78%) but the figures in the distal forms, including those where fibre endoscopy was negative, remained high (54%). There was never a true false positive, and the cytohistological correlation was almost 100%. Distal aspirations were the most useful in peripheral forms, whilst brushing was more useful in proximal forms. In any case thanks to these new technics, fibre endoscopy has become a simple examination for routine use which has now a very important place in the diagnosis of bronchial carcinoma.