Bronchoscopy Near You in NJ, CT, MA, and the Washington, D.C., Area
A bronchoscopy is one of the primary tests used to identify lung cancer. By examining the inside of a patient’s airways, physicians can detect tumors and other abnormalities. Regional Cancer Care Associates (RCCA) is one of the largest networks of oncology specialists in the United States. We provide lung cancer treatment at more than 20 locations near you in New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and the Washington, D.C., area. Learn more about a bronchoscopy and what to expect during the process.
What Is a Bronchoscopy?
A bronchoscopy is one of many tests used to diagnose lung cancer. It involves use of a bronchoscope — a thin, tube-like instrument with a small camera and a light — to examine the inside of a person’s airways. Some bronchoscopes are flexible to allow for easy navigation. Others are rigid, making them better for performing complex procedures. Along with diagnosing lung cancer, bronchoscopies are used to identify other problems with the lungs, including:
- Lung inflammation (bronchitis)
- Pneumonia
- Tuberculosis
- Pulmonary fibrosis
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
The bronchoscope is sometimes equipped with a small tool to take tissue samples for a lung biopsy, remove a mucus blockage or foreign body, or place a stent to hold open an airway. It may also have a built-in ultrasound probe for performing an imaging test called endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS). This type of ultrasound can check the lymph nodes near the lungs to determine whether cancer is present there.
Who Should Have a Bronchoscopy?
A bronchoscopy is a versatile test that is used for a variety of applications, including diagnosing, monitoring, or treating a lung condition. Some reasons to have a bronchoscopy include:
Symptom Diagnosis
Many patients undergo bronchoscopy because they are experiencing symptoms that affect their lungs. If the patient has breathing problems or a persistent cough or irritation, a bronchoscopy may be used to determine the cause. Common signs and symptoms of lung cancer that might prompt a doctor to perform bronchoscopy include:
- A cough that does not go away or worsens over time
- Coughing up blood or rust-colored sputum
- Shortness of breath
- Harsh-sounding breathing
- A hoarse or raspy voice
- Pain in the chest, shoulders, or back
- Chest pain that gets worse with coughing or deep breathing
- Face and neck swelling
- Difficulty swallowing
- Fatigue, or feeling constantly tired
- Unexplained weight loss
- Nausea and vomiting
While these symptoms can be indicators of cancer, they may also be caused by other lung conditions, including bronchitis, asthma, lung infections, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). While not cancerous, many of these conditions are still serious. Patients should always speak with their physician about symptoms that affect their breathing.
Abnormal Medical Imaging
Not all lung cancers cause symptoms in their early stages. Before symptoms develop, cancer may be detected using medical imaging. For example, a current or former smoker may have had abnormal results on lung cancer screening with low-dose computed tomography (LDCT). Or a physician may have identified something unusual on an imaging test performed for unrelated reasons. In such cases, bronchoscopy may be used to examine the abnormality more closely.
Treatment Evaluation
Sometimes, a bronchoscopy may be recommended for patients already diagnosed with lung cancer. In this case, the test is used to check on the cancer’s status and evaluate the effectiveness of treatment. If the cancer continues to spread, or if treatment does not have the desired effect, then the patient and oncologist can discuss an alternative approach.
Preparing for a Bronchoscopy
A patient’s healthcare provider will provide detailed instructions on how to prepare for a bronchoscopy. In general, the procedure does not require extensive preparation. The following steps can help ensure a successful procedure with no complications:
- Fasting (not eating or drinking) before the procedure
- Pausing certain medications, like blood thinners or diabetes medications
- Arranging transportation to and from the hospital
The healthcare provider will likely order a computed tomography (CT) scan before the bronchoscopy. The CT scan helps the provider determine which areas of the lung need examination, allowing for a faster and more effective test.
What to Expect on Testing Day
When patients arrive at the hospital for a bronchoscopy, they will be asked to remove their clothing and put on a hospital gown. They will then lie on a bed or table with their head propped up. A sedative is often used to keep the patient relaxed during a flexible bronchoscopy. General anesthesia is used to put the patient to sleep during a rigid bronchoscopy. The procedure typically follows these steps:
- A nurse uses a topical spray to numb the patient’s mouth and throat.
- A pulmonologist (lung doctor) inserts the bronchoscope through the nose or mouth.
- The pulmonologist places a suction tube to remove saliva from the mouth.
- The pulmonologist guides the bronchoscope along the length of the windpipe and the lung airways.
- A live video feed shows a detailed view of the inside of the airways.
A bronchoscopy takes 30 to 90 minutes to complete, depending on which steps, such as a lung biopsy or stent placement, need to be performed during the procedure. Afterward, the patient is moved to a recovery room until the sedative or anesthesia wears off. Patients usually can go home as soon as they feel alert.
Preparing for a Bronchoscopy
A patient’s healthcare provider will provide detailed instructions on how to prepare for a bronchoscopy. In general, the procedure does not require extensive preparation. The following steps can help ensure a successful procedure with no complications:
- Fasting (not eating or drinking) before the procedure
- Pausing certain medications, like blood thinners or diabetes medications
- Arranging transportation to and from the hospital
The healthcare provider will likely order a computed tomography (CT) scan before the bronchoscopy. The CT scan helps the provider determine which areas of the lung need examination, allowing for a faster and more effective test.
What to Expect on Testing Day
When patients arrive at the hospital for a bronchoscopy, they will be asked to remove their clothing and put on a hospital gown. They will then lie on a bed or table with their head propped up. A sedative is often used to keep the patient relaxed during a flexible bronchoscopy. General anesthesia is used to put the patient to sleep during a rigid bronchoscopy. The procedure typically follows these steps:
- A nurse uses a topical spray to numb the patient’s mouth and throat.
- A pulmonologist (lung doctor) inserts the bronchoscope through the nose or mouth.
- The pulmonologist places a suction tube to remove saliva from the mouth.
- The pulmonologist guides the bronchoscope along the length of the windpipe and the lung airways.
- A live video feed shows a detailed view of the inside of the airways.
A bronchoscopy takes 30 to 90 minutes to complete, depending on which steps, such as a lung biopsy or stent placement, need to be performed during the procedure. Afterward, the patient is moved to a recovery room until the sedative or anesthesia wears off. Patients usually can go home as soon as they feel alert.
After the Bronchoscopy
Patients may have a numb throat for up to one hour after a bronchoscopy. They should avoid eating or drinking until the numbness wears off. Afterward, they may have a sore throat or a cough for the next 24 hours. Cough drops can soothe the soreness or hoarseness. Most patients feel better by the next day and can return to their normal activities.
Find Expert Lung Cancer Care Near You in NJ, CT, MA, and the Washington, D.C., Area
Bronchoscopy plays an important role in lung cancer diagnosis and treatment. Regional Cancer Care Associates (RCCA) offers state-of-the-art lung cancer care at more than 20 convenient locations near you in New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and the Washington, D.C., area, helping patients receive the latest treatments close to their homes. Contact us today to request an appointment or to learn more about lung cancer treatments available at our offices.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bronchoscopy and Lung Cancer
What is a bronchoscopy?
A bronchoscopy is a minimally invasive test that uses a bronchoscope, or a camera mounted on a flexible or rigid tube, to examine the inside of a patient’s airways.
What is a bronchoscopy used for?
A bronchoscopy is used to diagnose a variety of lung diseases, including cancer. It may also be used to monitor treatment or to perform other procedures, such as a lung biopsy or placing a stent.
What are the symptoms of lung cancer?
Lung cancer does not always cause symptoms at first. When symptoms develop, they may include:
- Persistent coughing
- Coughing up bloody or rust-colored sputum
- Shortness of breath
- Harsh breathing
- A hoarse or raspy voice
- Chest pain that gets worse with coughing
- Shoulder or back pain
People should always speak with their doctor about new symptoms that affect their breathing.
What are the risks of a bronchoscopy?
A bronchoscopy is a very safe procedure, but it still has risks. There is a minor chance of a bronchoscopy causing a hole (perforation) in the airway, irritation or inflammation of the vocal cords, or lung collapse. Patients should always talk with their doctor about potential risks before any medical procedure.