The diagnostic yield of bronchoscopy.

The endoscopic examination of the tracheobronchial tree is most helpful in the diagnosis and staging of bronchial carcinoma. Tumors that are endoscopically visible may be confirmed in more than 95% of the cases. In localized peripheral tumors, the diagnostic yield of bronchoscopy is significantly lower; for peripheral metastases, only about 10%. In diffuse interstitial pulmonary diseases other than malignancies, some infections, and histiocytosis X, bronchoscopy including transbronchial biopsy is less successful.