Fluorescent bronchoscopy.

Abstract

Detection of clinically occult lung neoplasms may represent an opportunity for early curative intervention. Fluorescent bronchoscopy is a sensitive technique for detecting early endobronchial tumors that may be combined with CT scanning as part of a comprehensive lung cancer screening program. Identification and longitudinal follow-up of dysplastic endobronchial changes with fluorescent bronchoscopy should facilitate studies of chemoprevention and further knowledge regarding the natural history of these lesions. Analysis of bronchial epithelium with novel techniques such as genomic hybridization and gene expression arrays might provide even better predictors of progression of dysplastic endobronchial lesions.