XXXX of the lung: a diagnostic challenge in bronchial washings.

@entity5 @entity2 @entity420 @entity4303
Bronchial washings are used routinely in the diagnosis of @entity2 . However, unlike other @entity5 , the diagnosis of @entity4303 on bronchial washings is difficult. We reviewed 17 cases of histologically proven @entity4303 from the files of the cytology laboratory over a period of 15 yr (1986-2001). The bronchial washings and histology sections of all the cases were reviewed separately by two independent observers and the results tabulated. Two cases had inadequate bronchial washings for evaluation and were excluded from the study. A growth was identified on bronchoscopy in 13 of 15 cases. Initial cytologic diagnoses were ? @entity420 /? @entity4303 and suspicious of @entity4303 in one case each. However, on review, @entity5 was identified in 10 of 13 cases initially considered to be negative. The possible reasons for a false-negative report on initial cytology include the paucity of @entity5 cell fragments in the bronchial washings (5 of 12 cases showing only one to two @entity5 fragments) and their bland appearance, often being mistaken for benign columnar cells. This study highlights the potential pitfalls in the diagnosis of @entity4303 on bronchial washings and underlines the importance of a diligent search in cases with high clinical suspicion and positive bronchoscopic findings.
