Bronchoscopy
What To Think About
- Before a final diagnosis is made, the results of a bronchoscopy will be considered along with your medical history, physical examination, and the results of other tests including a chest X-ray or a computed tomography (CT) scan. A lung biopsy may be needed when all of these other results are inconclusive. For more information, see the medical tests Chest X-ray, CT Scan of the Body, and Lung Biopsy.
- A needle biopsy with a CT scan is commonly used because it can diagnose many lung problems. A bronchoscopy may be a better option when the problem is close to the airway. Your doctor will determine the best method for you.
- Virtual bronchoscopy with the use of a CT scan is a very new procedure that is being studied to determine if it can be used effectively.
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| Author: | Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS Sydney Youngerman-Cole, RN, BSN, RNC | Last Updated: August 10, 2007 |
| Medical Review: | Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine Robert L. Cowie, MB, FCP(SA), MD, MSc, MFOM - Pulmonology | |
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| Topic Contents | |
| Test Overview | |
| Why It Is Done | |
| How To Prepare | |
| How It Is Done | |
| How It Feels | |
| Risks | |
| Results | |
| What Affects the Test | |
 | What To Think About |
| References | |
| Credits | |