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Diagnostic value of fiberoptic bronchoscopy in lung cancer presenting as mediastinal mass(ES)
Author(s) -
Mohsenifar Zab,
Chopra Sawtantra K.,
Simmons Daniel H.
Publication year - 1979
Publication title -
cancer
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.052
H-Index - 304
eISSN - 1097-0142
pISSN - 0008-543X
DOI - 10.1002/1097-0142(197911)44:5<1894::aid-cncr2820440551>3.0.co;2-e
Subject(s) - medicine , mediastinoscopy , bronchoscopy , thoracotomy , lung cancer , sputum , radiology , biopsy , histopathology , mediastinum , surgery , pathology , tuberculosis
The diagnostic yields of prebronchoscopy sputum specimens and fiberoptic bronchoscopy (including brushings, washings, and/or biopsies) were determined in 35 patients who presented primarily with middle or anterior mediasttnal and/or paratracheal mass(es) on chest radiographs. The diagnosis was confirmed on histopathology of tissue obtained by needle biopsy, mediastinoscopy, thoracotomy, and/or autopsy. Thirty‐one of the patients were found to have primary bronchogenic carcinomas. At bronchoscopy, extrinsic compression of trachea and/or bronchi was visualized in 23 (Group I) and the tracheobronchial tree appeared normal in 12 (Group II). Prebronchoscopy sputa gave a positive yield in only three of the 35 (8%) patients; the yield was similar in both groups of patients. One or more of the bronchoscopic modalities were diagnostic in 69% of Group I patients but were not helpful in Group II patients. The diagnostic yield of brushings, washings, and biopsies in Group I patients was 52%, 61%, and 37%, respectively. The addition of biopsies to washings and/or brushings did not significantly alter the yield. Washings and brushings are recommended as useful, non‐invasive procedures in diagnosing middle mediastinal masses with extrinsic compression. Sputum cytology gives a very low yield.