[Bronchial cytology--value of various methods for the diagnosis of primary lung neoplasms. A computation of the materials sent in to the cytological laboratory of the Institute of Pathology, Kantonspital, St. Gallen].

During the period 1973-1977 some 6100 sputum cytologies from 3000 patients were performed. All patients had suspected primary bronchogenic carcinoma. Sputum cytology was diagnostic in 547 patients (18%). A synopsis of all patients with proven lung cancer and at least one primary sputum cytology shows that this method was diagnostic in 80%. Fiberoptic bronchoscopy with its associated procedures (biopsies, brushings, washings) was the most frequently performed endoscopic method at our Department of Medicine. Fiberbronchoscopy used in combination with cytologic brushings was diagnostic in 83% of the proven cancers. Formerly, bronchial washings and bronchial secretions were obtained by means of rigid bronchoscope. This material yielded the lowest percentage (51%) of all cytological methods used at the Cantonal Hospital. The indications for use of the different diagnostic methods mentioned above and important factors which yield a high percentage of positive cytologies are discussed.