Diagnostic value of fiberoptic bronchoscopy in metastatic pulmonary tumors

The fiberoptic bronchoscopic procedure (with brushings, washings, and biopsies) was performed and specimens of sputum were obtained before the procedure in 37 patients with cancer metastatic to the lung. Of the 37 patients studied, endobronchial lesions were visualized at bronchoscopic examination in 14 (group 1), and no endobronchial lesion was seen in 23 (group 2). The yield of bronchial brushing and washings was not significantly different in group 1 and 2, whereas examination of sputum obtained before the bronchoscopic procedure and bronchial biopsy in group 1 yielded higher results than the same procedures in group 2. The radiographic findings did not influence the yield with any of the bronchoscopic procedures. The overall positive diagnostic yield from fiberoptic bronchoscopic procedures among these patients was 54 percent (20/37), regardless of their bronchoscopic or radiologic findings.