BackgroundThe combination of cytology and biopsies improves the recognition and typing of small cell (SCLC) versus non small cell (NSCLC) lung cancers in the fiberoptic bronchoscopy assessment of centrally located tumours.MethodsWe studied whether bronchial aspirates performed before biopsies (BA) and washings performed after biopsies (BW) could increase the diagnostic yield of fiberoptic bronchoscopy. A series of 334 consecutive samples taken in patients with suspicious fiberoptic bronchoscopy findings was studied. Two hundred primary tumours were included in the study. The actual diagnosis was based on surgical tissue specimen analysis and/or imaging techniques. The typing used was that of the 1999 WHO/IASLC classification.ResultsThe diagnosis of malignancy and tumour typing were analyzed according to the sequential (combined) or single use of tests. Malignancy was assessed by cytology in 144/164 (87.8%) positive biopsy cases and in 174/200 tumour cases (87.0%). BA before biopsies allowed 84.0% of cancers to be diagnosed, whereas BW after biopsies allowed 79.0% of cancers to be found (p = ns). However, combining biopsies with BW allowed 94.0% of cancers to be diagnosed, whereas 82.0% were diagnosed by biopsies alone (p < 0.001). The highest diagnostic yield was obtained with the combination of BA, biopsies and BW, with 97.0% sensitivity. Exact concordance in typing was obtained in 83.8% of cases. The six surgically resected cases (3.0%) with negative cytology and biopsy results included four squamous cell carcinomas with necrotizing or fibrous surface and two adenocarcinomas, pT1 stage.ConclusionFiberoptic bronchoscopy may reach a yield of close to 100% in the diagnosis and typing of centrally located, primary lung cancers by combining bronchial aspirates, biopsies and washings.