Adequacy of endobronchial ultrasound transbronchial needle aspiration samples in the subtyping of non-small cell lung cancer.

Introduction: The histological subtyping of non small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is important in the selection of the optimal treatment for patients with advanced disease. There are now important differences in the chemotherapy regimens used for squamous and non-squamous cancers. Non-squamous cancers (particularly adenocarcinomas) are also suitable for targeted therapy if the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) genetic mutation is present.