Can bronchoscopy procedures only diagnose problems?
A bronchoscopy can be done for diagnostic or therapeutic reasons which may include: • To view abnormalities of the airway (abnormal chest x-ray or CT scan) • To obtain tissue specimens of the lung • To evaluate and treat growths in the airway • To obtain tissue or mucous samples to diagnose lung disease • To evaluate bleeding in the lungs, possible lung cancer, a chronic cough, hoarseness or a collapsed lung • To remove secretions, blood or foreign objects lodged in the airway
