Navigation bronchoscopy found only 23% of cancers in nodules ≤10 mm
In 541 navigation bronchoscopies, sensitivity for malignancy was 44% overall but just 23.3% in the smallest lung nodules, versus 50% in larger ones.
Electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy is a minimally invasive way to sample peripheral lung nodules, yet data on the smallest lesions are limited. This retrospective analysis covered 541 consecutive procedures at one university hospital in 2018-2019, with at least two years of follow-up to establish each final diagnosis. About 60% of the lesions proved malignant.
Sensitivity for malignancy was 44.0% overall, but only 23.3% for nodules ≤10 mm, compared with 50.0% for larger ones. Larger size and a visible bronchus sign were independently associated with higher sensitivity, while lower lobe location was associated with lower sensitivity.
These are associations from a single-centre, retrospective series, so results may not apply to other centres or techniques.
Summary prepared with AI assistance from the published abstract and reviewed by a physician. Not medical advice. Learn more
