Question

A 58-year-old man presents with chronic cough producing small amounts of blood-streaked sputum. He has a 40-pack-year smoking history. Chest X-ray shows a right upper lobe mass. Which investigation is most appropriate to obtain a tissue diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Bronchoscopy with endobronchial biopsy and washings

Answer

Sputum cytology only

Answer

CT-guided percutaneous needle biopsy

Answer

Open lung biopsy via thoracotomy as first step

Answer

PET scan

Practice question

A 58-year-old man presents with chronic cough producing small amounts of blood-streaked sputum. He has a 40-pack-year smoking history. Chest X-ray shows a right upper lobe mass. Which investigation is most appropriate to obtain a tissue diagnosis?