Common Differential Diagnostic Issues in Lung Cytopathology: 3 Case Reports and a Review

Abstract

Abstract The diagnosis and staging of lung malignancies increasingly rely on the use of cytologic sampling techniques, particularly endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration. Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration is minimally invasive and cost-effective and, most significantly, has been shown to be equivalent to conventional sampling methods. As the role of endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration and other cytologic sampling methods, including transthoracic fine-needle aspiration and bronchoalveolar lavage, expands, diagnostic dilemmas arise that may pose a challenge to the cytopathologist. This review discusses 3 cases that illustrate 3 differential diagnoses, with an emphasis on distinguishing lung carcinoma from benign entities.