Lung cancer: multidisciplinary approach to tissue sampling

Diagnostic confirmation through tissue sampling plays a central role in managing patients with suspected lung malignancy. Tissue samples may be obtained in various ways using bronchoscopy, computed tomography guidance, or surgery. Multidisciplinary discussion between members of the lung cancer care team is helpful in assessing the appropriateness of sampling and the best place to sample that would establish both the diagnosis and the correct stage of the disease in a safe manner.