Diagnostic Importance of Bronchoscopy with Pathological Examination in Lung Cancer and Tuberculosis: A Public Awareness Approach

A community education program on bronchoscopy was conducted at the Pulmonary Outpatient Clinic of Sembiring General Hospital to increase public awareness of its diagnostic role in pulmonary disease.The session introduced indications for bronchoscopy in evaluating lung lesions suspected to represent malignancy, tuberculosis, or other infectious and inflammatory conditions.Participants were informed about the procedural steps and the importance of obtaining biopsy tissue, cytology, histopathology, and bronchoalveolar lavage specimens, particularly in suspected tuberculosis when sputum is unavailable for microbiological testing.The program also presented findings from a three-year review of bronchoscopy examinations at Sembiring General Hospital, which demonstrated the value of tissue confirmation malignant cases and also specific inflammatory cases.The activity involved patients, family members, nurses, and medical students, and encouraged active discussion regarding respiratory symptoms and the need for early evaluation.By increasing public understanding of bronchoscopy, the program aimed to reduce hesitation toward invasive procedures and promote timely health-seeking behavior, thereby supporting earlier detection and improved outcomes in pulmonary disease.