Early detection of endobronchial carcinoma using autofluorescence bronchoscopy

OBJECTIVE. This study was to evaluate the benefit of using autofluorescence bronchoscopy for the detection and localization of endobronchial carcinoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS. During January 2007 till December 2011; 350 patients, aged 35 to 90 years old, who were smokers or ex-smokers were examined by autoflorescent bronchoscopy. All cases were suspected to have lung cancer. RESULTS. Premalignant, endobronchial cancer was found in 3 patients. Follow ups over the next four years discovered one patient developing severe dysplasia. CONCLUSION. Autofluorescence bronchoscopy is able to enhance early detection in case of endobronchial lesion.