Role of Bronchial Brush Cytology in Diagnosis of Central Bronchial Carcinoma (original) (raw)

Background : Despite the advances in imaging techniques and treatment modalities, the prognosis of lung cancer remains poor, with five-year survival of 14% at early stages and less than 5% in locally advanced stages. Before starting treatment a clear distinction between small cell and nonsmall cell carcinoma must be made, for that histopathology remains the mainstay of confirmation of diagnosis. To combat the disease successfully, it should be diagnosed at earliest possible stage. If bronchial brush cytology yield comparable diagnostic specificity, then it may easy for the patient and physician to manage this fatal disease. Purpose : The study was designed to evaluate the diagnostic yield of bronchial brush cytology in central (endoscopically visible) bronchial carcinoma