Term: Bronchoscopy
Definition: Bronchoscopy is a medical procedure that involves inserting a thin, flexible or rigid tube (bronchoscope) into the airways through the nose or mouth to examine the trachea, bronchi, and lungs for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes.
Phonetic Pronunciation: (bron-KOS-kuh-pee)
Etymological Origin: The term originates from the Greek words bronchos (windpipe) and skopein (to look or examine). It was first used in the late 19th century when advancements in medical technology allowed for direct visualization of the airways.
Significance in Asbestos Context: Bronchoscopy is significant in the field of asbestos because it is often used to diagnose asbestos-related lung diseases, such as bronchogenic carcinoma (lung cancer) or to rule out other conditions like infections. It can also help collect tissue or fluid samples for biopsy to confirm the presence of asbestos fibers or related malignancies. This procedure is critical in both medical management and legal cases, as it provides evidence of asbestos-related damage to the respiratory system.
Synonyms or Related Terms: Airway endoscopy, bronchoscopic examination, fiberoptic bronchoscopy.
Example Sentence: "The pulmonologist performed a bronchoscopy to collect tissue samples from the patient's lungs, which confirmed the presence of asbestos-related bronchogenic carcinoma."
Common Misconceptions:
