Bronchoscopy

/brɑŋˈkɑskəpi/ noun

Definition

A procedure that uses a thin, flexible tube with a camera to examine the airways and lungs. It can diagnose lung diseases, remove foreign objects, or obtain tissue samples from the respiratory tract.

Etymology

Combines Greek 'bronchos' meaning 'windpipe' or 'throat' with 'skopein' meaning 'to examine.' The term specifically refers to examining the bronchial tubes and lung passages.

Kelly Says

Bronchoscopy can literally save lives by detecting lung cancer early or removing objects that people have accidentally inhaled. The procedure was first performed in 1897 using candlelight and mirrors, a far cry from today's high-definition video bronchoscopes.

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