Bronchoscopy is a procedure that involves inserting a flexible tube through the mouth or nose, into the airway, and down to the lungs. The tissue is later examined under the microscope to confirm particular diagnoses. There are several different ways to biopsy the airway or lung tissue, if it is decided that a biospy is warranted. If the abnormal area is on the wall of an airway, the tissue can be washed with a saline solution and then suctioned up, or it can be brushed with a soft brush. If the lesion or abnormal tissue is deep within the lung, a technique called fluoroscopy might be used during the bronchoscopy.
Fluoroscopy involves using x-rays to examine tissues deep within the body and guide the biopsy.
Once the biopsy is done, the tissue sample is sent to the laboratory for microscopic evaluation, during which the cells are observed and any obvious abnormalities detected. The decision whether or not a bronchoscopy should be done depends on several factors, including the patient s risk factors for lung cancer, the timing of the procedure, and the risks associated with bronchoscopy. Patients should discuss all the pros and cons of the procedure thoroughly with their physician before making a decision. There is general agreement that if any obvious potential cancerous abnormalities are found on the chest x-ray, a patient with hemoptysis should have a bronchoscopy. A bronchoscopy allows your physician to examine your lung and bronchial tissue and collect samples of anything that looks abnormal or potentially cancerous.