To evaluate the sensitivity of cytological examination of endobronchial biopsy, BAL, bronchial brushing and sputum in diagnosing lung carcinoma

Abstract

All the cases of suspected bronchial malignancy were included in present study in which broncho-alveolar lavage (BAL) and bronchial biopsy samples were received in pathology department for evaluation. Respective bronchial brushings & sputum samples were also studied where ever available. Cross sectional study.In our study, correctly diagnosed adenocarcinoma of lung on BAL were 27.7%, sqaumous cell carcinoma were 26.6%, small cell carcinoma were 40% and BAL cytodiagnosis from miscellaneous tumor could only be made in 14.2% cases. Endobronchial biopsy and BAL, both were studied, sensitivity of cases increases and number of false negative cases decreases for diagnosis. Bronchial brushing has better sensitivity than BAL for diagnosis of lung carcinoma. Sputum is less sensitive than bronchial brushing for diagnosis of lung carcinoma.