Evaluation of the value and safety of transbronchial needle aspiration in the diagnosis of lung cancer

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the value and safety of transbronchial needle aspiration (TBNA) in the diagnosis of lung cancer. Methods The cytologic diagnosis of TBNA in 82 patients with enlarged hilar and/or mediastinal lymphnodes or lesions adjacent to the bronchial wall were analyzed retrospectively. All specimens were detected by the ThinPrep cytologic test. Results There were 43 positive cases in the 82 patients, and the positive rate was 52.4 %. There were 18 SCLCs,11squamous cancers, 9 adenocarcinomas and 5 undefinable cancers, respectively. There were 39 patients with local bronchial wall swelling accompanied with abnormal mucosae. TBNA, douche, brushing and forcep biopsy were applied, and the diagnostic rate was 64.1%, 7.7 %, 25.6 % and 48.7 %, respectively. The total positive rate was 76.9 %. 43 patients with normal mucous membrane only underwent TBNA. 18 cases were positive, and the positive rate was 41.9 %. There was no obvious complication in the 82 patients. Conclusion The technique of TBNA enlarged the inspection scope of bronchoscopy. It has significant meaning to the diagnosis of lung cancer. TBNA was an useful and safe method in clinical application and could be used widely. Key words: Lung neoplasms; Bronchoscopy; Biopsy, needle