[Cytological and histological methods for assessing lung tumours (author's transl)]

The accuracy of different histological and cytological methods were analysed in 240 patients with primary lung cancer. The diagnosis had been confirmed by either biopsy, surgery or autopsy. Using multiple diagnostic procedures a positive pre-operative diagnosis was obtained in 86.5%. Where the tumour was endoscopically visible and accessible to direct biopsy the correct diagnosis was made in 97.5%. In case of more peripheral tumour localisation positive results were obtained by cytological tests in 76.5%. The most accurate method of diagnosis was direct forceps biopsy of visible tumours (91% positive). Bronchial washing was positive in 64%, post-bronchoscopic sputum analysis in 60%, pre-bronchoscopic sputum in 55% and bronchial brushing in 30%.