1. Home
  2. Health
  3. Lung Diseases

Bronchoscopy / Bronchoscope / Diagnostic Testing of the Lungs

From About.com

Updated: August 22, 2006

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by Sanja Jelic, MD

Definition: Bronchoscopy is a diagnostic procedure in which a pulmonologist inserts a bronchoscope into the trachea, main stem bronchi, and some of the small bronchi. This procedure is typically used to take samples (biopsy) of suspicious lesions and for culturing specific areas of the lung.

A bronchoscope is a flexible tube less than 1/2 inch wide and about 2 feet long. It has a tiny camera on the end.

Find out how a bronchoscopy is performed.

Also Known As: Fiberoptic bronchoscopy

Explore Lung Diseases

More from About.com

About.com is accredited by the Health On the Net Foundation, which promotes reliable and trusted online health information.
  1. Home
  2. Health
  3. Lung Diseases
  4. Respiratory Health
  5. Glossary of Terms
  6. Definition of Bronchoscopy - What is Bronchoscopy? How is Bronchoscopy Performed? Why Do I Need a Bronchoscopy? Diagnostic Procedures of the Lungs

©2008 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.