Sarcoidal reactions in regional lymph nodes of patients with non-small cell lung cancer: Incidence and implications for minimally invasive staging with endobronchial ultrasound

Abstract

Background: Both malignancy and granulomatous diseases may be diagnosed by endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA). Sarcoidal reactions may be seen in the presence of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Demonstration of granulomas by lymph node EBUS-TBNA in the staging of NSCLC is of uncertain significance. Aims: To determine the frequency of sarcoidal reactions in lymph nodes of patients with NSCLC. To report the frequency of co-involvement of sarcoidal reactions with metastatic NSCLC in regional lymph nodes. Methods: We prospectively examined 50 consecutive patients undergoing EBUS-TBNA for staging of suspected or confirmed NSCLC. We also performed a re..