Detection and localization of early lung cancer by imaging techniques.

Two new technologic developments may have a significant impact on the detection and localization of early lung cancer. These two developments work together in a complementary way. The first is a solid-state microscope that can be applied in the prescreening of sputum cytology specimens. The finding that malignancy-associated changes (MACs) are present in ostensibly normal bronchial epithelial cells may be used to improve the sensitivity of sputum cytology to detect cancer. Once abnormal or MAC cells are found, a second device, a fluorescence bronchoscope, can be employed to localize the source of the abnormal cells. Fluorescence bronchoscopy is also a potentially useful tool for procuring premalignant tissue for molecular biology studies and for monitoring the progress of patients in chemoprevention studies.