For suspected lung cancer, which procedure is used to obtain tissue for diagnosis?

For suspected lung cancer, which procedure is used to obtain tissue for diagnosis?

• A. Biopsy/bronchoscopy
• B. Sputum cytology
• C. Ultrasound
• D. MRI

Answer: (A)

Obtaining a tissue sample for histology is essential to confirm lung cancer and guide treatment. Bronchoscopy with biopsy is the standard way to get that tissue. The procedure lets a physician look directly into the airways and collect samples from visible lesions or abnormal areas using biopsy forceps, brushings, or washings. This yields cells and tissue architecture that allow definitive cancer diagnosis and tumor type. Other options don’t provide tissue for diagnosis. Sputum cytology can detect cancer cells in a small subset of cases but has limited sensitivity and isn’t as reliable for establishing a diagnosis. Ultrasound and MRI are imaging tools used for visualization and staging, not for obtaining diagnostic tissue. If the lesion is peripheral, alternative methods like CT-guided needle biopsy or surgical biopsy may be needed, but bronchoscopy remains the first-line tissue-diagnostic approach for many suspected lung cancers.

Obtaining a tissue sample for histology is essential to confirm lung cancer and guide treatment. Bronchoscopy with biopsy is the standard way to get that tissue. The procedure lets a physician look directly into the airways and collect samples from visible lesions or abnormal areas using biopsy forceps, brushings, or washings. This yields cells and tissue architecture that allow definitive cancer diagnosis and tumor type.

Other options don’t provide tissue for diagnosis. Sputum cytology can detect cancer cells in a small subset of cases but has limited sensitivity and isn’t as reliable for establishing a diagnosis. Ultrasound and MRI are imaging tools used for visualization and staging, not for obtaining diagnostic tissue. If the lesion is peripheral, alternative methods like CT-guided needle biopsy or surgical biopsy may be needed, but bronchoscopy remains the first-line tissue-diagnostic approach for many suspected lung cancers.