Lung cancer : journal of the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer
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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. ⋯ Sarcoidal reactions are seen in 4.3% of all patients with NSCLC. Metastatic involvement by NSCLC is not seen in lymph nodes exhibiting sarcoidal granulomatous reactions. Non-necrotising granulomas revealed by EBUS-TBNA of lymph nodes during staging of NSCLC should serve to indicate the absence of lymph node metastases.