Abstract
Background: Conventional transbronchial needle aspiration (c-TBNA) is a minimally invasive bronchoscopic technique used to obtain cytological samples from peribronchial lesions and mediastinal lymph nodes. However, the concern about its efficacy and the advent of newer techniques have led to the underutilization of this time tested and cost-effective modality. Objective: The present study was aimed to assess the diagnostic yield of c-TBNA in suspected cases of lung cancer. Method: c-TBNA smears received from January 2017 to February 2020, with clinical-radiological suspicion of lung malignancy were retrospectively analyzed. Result: A total of 22 cases were reviewed. The mean age of the study population was 57.54 years, with a male-female ratio of ~2:1. The adequate aspirate was obtained in 19/22 (86%) cases. The overall diagnostic yield of c-TBNA was 82%. 14/19 (74%) cases were positive for malignancy, non-small cell lung carcinoma being the most common malignancy diagnosed (11 cases). 4/19 (21%) cases were diagnosed with granulomatous pathology, while smears in 1 case were non-diagnostic. Conclusion: Conventional transbronchial needle aspiration cytology is an efficacious method used for the diagnosis of lung carcinoma. Especially in resource-limited settings, it remains irreplaceable as a diagnostic tool and should be routinely utilized.
Highlights
According to GLOBOCAN 2018, lung cancer is the most common malignancy as well as the leading cause of cancer mortality worldwide [1]
The overall diagnostic yield of Conventional transbronchial needle aspiration (c-Transbronchial needle aspiration (TBNA)) was 82%. 14/19 (74%) cases were positive for malignancy, non-small cell lung carcinoma being the most common malignancy diagnosed (11 cases). 4/19 (21%) cases were diagnosed with granulomatous pathology, while smears in 1 case were non-diagnostic
Though radiological investigations like CT/PET can indicate the presence of a lesion in the lung and mediastinum, cell and tissue samples are needed in most cases to reach a more confirmatory diagnosis [4]. These samples can be collected through bronchoalveolar lavage, bronchial brushing, transbronchial needle aspiration cytology, and bronchial biopsy, that can be performed during bronchoscopy [5]
Summary
According to GLOBOCAN 2018, lung cancer is the most common malignancy as well as the leading cause of cancer mortality worldwide [1] It is the 4th most commonly detected cancer in India, with 67795 new cases reported in 2018 [2]. Though radiological investigations like CT/PET can indicate the presence of a lesion in the lung and mediastinum, cell and tissue samples are needed in most cases to reach a more confirmatory diagnosis [4]. These samples can be collected through bronchoalveolar lavage, bronchial brushing, transbronchial needle aspiration cytology, and bronchial biopsy, that can be performed during bronchoscopy [5]. In resource-limited settings, it remains irreplaceable as a diagnostic tool and should be routinely utilized
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