The effect of tumor size and location on diagnosis by fiberoptic bronchoscopy.

Evaluation of data from fiberoptic bronchoscopic procedures revealed that for peripheral bronchogenic carcinomas, the diagnostic yield was influenced by the size of the lesion and its distance from the hilum. Failure to diagnose visible carcinomas was related to inability to obtain deep specimens for biopsy. Biopsy, brushing, and washing were complementary procedures in diagnosing bronchogenic carcinomas.