Abstract Background: Bronchogenic carcinoma remains a major cause of cancer-related morbidity and mortality, and early diagnosis relies on the effective use of clinical, radiological, and cytological diagnostic modalities. Evaluating the diagnostic yield of commonly employed invasive and non-invasive techniques is essential for optimizing diagnostic strategies. Methods: This retrospective observational study was conducted in the Department of Respiratory Medicine at PGIMER and Capital Hospital, Bhubaneswar. A total of 120 patients with suspected bronchogenic carcinoma admitted between March 2024 and September 2025 were evaluated. Eighty-two cases were confirmed as bronchogenic carcinoma and included for analysis. All patients underwent detailed clinical evaluation and radiological assessment. Diagnostic procedures included fiber optic bronchoscopy with multiple sampling techniques, CT-guided fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC), spontaneous sputum cytology using three early-morning samples, and induced sputum cytology using hypertonic saline nebulization. Diagnostic yields of these modalities were analyzed and compared. Results: The study population showed a marked male predominance, with the highest incidence in the 51–60-year age group. Fiber optic bronchoscopy demonstrated the highest diagnostic yield (46.66%), followed closely by CT-guided FNAC (44.44%). Induced sputum cytology showed a moderate diagnostic yield (24.39%), while spontaneous sputum cytology had a low diagnostic yield (7.69%). Radiologically, mass lesions were the most common finding. Adenocarcinoma was the most frequent histological subtype. Conclusion: Fiber optic bronchoscopy and CT-guided FNAC remain the most effective diagnostic modalities for bronchogenic carcinoma. Induced sputum cytology serves as a useful non-invasive adjunct, whereas spontaneous sputum cytology alone has limited diagnostic value. A multimodal, stepwise diagnostic approach is essential for timely and accurate diagnosis, particularly in tertiary care settings.
International Journal of Medical Science and Innovative Research (IJMSIR) (Fri,) studied this question.