Diagnostic method

sensitivity

specificity

Indication

Comments

Sputum cytology

Central 71% Peripheral <50%

99%

Central and hemoptysis

Non-invasive

Thoracentesis

80%

>90%

Pleural effusion

-

Excisional biopsy

-

-

Palpable lymphadenopathy

-

Flexible bronchoscopy

Central tumors 88%

90%

Central or peripheral tumor

Transbronchial inspiration increases sensitivity in peripheral tumors

Transthoracic needle aspiration

Peripheral tumors 90%

97%

Peripheral tumor in non-surgical patients is inconclusive

Transbronchial inspiration increases sensitivity in peripheral tumors

Video-assisted thoracotomy

-

-

Small peripheral tumors (<2 cm in diameter)

Do not need thoracotomy

Thoracotomy

-

-

It cleans resectable tumors

Treatment is necessary