The role of interventional bronchoscopy in the management of malignant central airway obstruction.

Nearly a third of patients with primary lung cancer present with malignant central airway obstruction (MCAO), and some of them appear to have advanced disease. In these patients, accurate staging is crucial. Although the literature extensively outlines the role of interventional bronchoscopy in palliation, its contribution to refining the staging of patients with MCAO is noteworthy.