rss
J Clin Pathol 2003;56:805-810 doi:10.1136/jcp.56.11.805
  • Review

Sputum examination for early detection of lung cancer

  1. F B J M Thunnissen
  1. Correspondence to:
 Dr F B J M Thunnissen
 Pathology C66, Canisius Wilhelmina Hospital, Weg door Jonkerbos 100, NL-6532 SZ Nijmegen, The Netherlands; e.thunnissencwz.nl
  • Accepted 13 May 2003

Abstract

Conventional sputum cytology can be used for the detection of lung cancer, but has shown a low yield in prospective screening trials. This review focuses on the technical aspects relevant to the outcome of DNA and image analysis in sputum. Published articles are discussed in the light of the technical background. Recent developments in DNA analysis and nuclear image analysis show a clear potential to improve or refine diagnosis beyond that achieved with conventional sputum cytology examination. The challenge for future studies in DNA and nuclear analysis of sputum is to ensure high levels of quality control and to confirm these initial encouraging results.

Footnotes

    This Article

    1. Abstract
    2. Full text
    3. PDF

    Responses

    1. Submit a response
    2. No responses published

    Register for free content


    Free trial
    Individuals may register for a free 60 day online trial to all content.

    Free archive
    The full back archive is now available for all BMJ Journals. Institutional subscribers may access the entire archive as part of their subscription. Personal subscribers will also have access to all content when logged in. Non-subscribers who register have free access to all articles published before 2006 right back to volume 1 issue 1. Register here to access the free archive of all BMJ Journals.

    Don't forget to sign up for content alerts so you keep up to date with all the articles as they ar