BRONCHOSCOPIC TREATMENT OF LUNG-TUMORS

Several bronchoscopic techniques for the treatment of patients with tr acheobronchial pathology have become available during the last decade. Technical development and additional instruments have provided the br onchoscopist with several alternatives for bronchoscopic therapeutic i nterventions. The majority of patients with malignant tracheobronchial neoplasm have a dismal prognosis. Palliation is the main aim of the t reatment. However, in patients with an early-stage tumor, bronchoscopi c treatment may have a curative potential. Resectability, after tumor reduction by a bronchoscopic treatment, may be improved. This article discusses various bronchoscopic techniques, the advantages and disadva ntages of each method and the possible benefit which can be derived fr om such a treatment.