The Role of Endobronchial Needle Aspiration With Rapid On-site Evaluation in the Diagnosis of Central Malignant Lesions

"The patients in this arm will undergo:~A) bronchoscopy, endobronchial needle aspiration (EBNA) with a cytologic needle (21 gauge), at least three forceps biopsies, bronchial brushing and bronchial washing in this procedural sequence with rapid on-site evaluation~B) if A will be negative transthoracic needle aspiration or surgical biopsy will be performed~C) if A and B will be negative follow-up with computed tomography or positron emission tomography and computed tomography"

"The patients in this arm will undergo:~A) bronchoscopy, endobronchial needle aspiration (EBNA) with a cytologic needle (21 gauge), at least three forceps biopsies, bronchial brushing and bronchial washing in this procedural sequence.~B)if A will be negative transthoracic needle aspiration or surgical biopsy will be performed~C) if A and B will be negative follow-up with computed tomography or positron emission tomography and computed tomography"