INTERVENTIONAL BRONCHOSCOPY
Opening a blocked airway in lung cancer: bronchoscopic options
Prof. Dr. Yalçın Karakoca · Last updated: 25 September 2026
SHORT ANSWER
Lung cancer can block the windpipe or the main bronchi. The tumour can block the airway from inside or press on it from outside. In this case, the tumour tissue can be reduced by removing it with a bronchoscope. A bronchoscope is a thin tube with a camera at its tip. The tissue can also be reduced by freezing (cryotherapy). Heat treatments can also be used. These are burning with argon gas or electricity (argon plasma coagulation, electrocautery) and laser. If needed, a tube that holds the airway open (stent) is placed. The aim is not to destroy the cancer. The aim is to open the airway and so reduce shortness of breath, pneumonia caused by the blockage, and bleeding. This may also help the patient become well enough to receive cancer treatment. Examples include drug treatment (chemotherapy) and radiation treatment (radiotherapy).
Who is it for?
A tumour blocking the large airways can cause shortness of breath. Coughing up blood or collapse of part of the lung may also occur. This treatment is considered in these patients. The patient’s general condition must be suitable for bronchoscopy. It can also be used when the airway needs to be opened urgently, and before radiation treatment. The decision is made jointly by pulmonologists, thoracic surgeons, oncologists and radiation oncologists.
Methods
The tumour tissue can be reduced by removing it with a rigid bronchoscope or with a resector balloon. Freezing, burning with argon gas (argon plasma coagulation), burning with electricity and laser are also used. Then, if needed, a silicone or metal stent is placed. The resector balloon was first used in this field, for removing tumours that block the airway. Details: Karakoca Resector Balloon
Expected benefits and risks
In suitable patients, shortness of breath may decrease soon after the procedure. The oxygen in the blood may also improve. How much benefit there will be depends on the location and extent of the tumour. Risks include bleeding, a drop in oxygen level and a tear in the airway (rare). Infection and problems related to the stent may also occur. The procedure does not treat the cancer. It aims to relieve symptoms and to support cancer treatment. Cancer treatment continues according to the oncology plan.
PRELIMINARY ASSESSMENT
Is it suitable for you?
Book an appointment and bring your breathing test and chest CT scan reports. We decide together at the consultation. If you are coming from outside Istanbul, an online preliminary consultation can be held first.
Please bring: your breathing test, your chest CT scan report and images (CD/USB), your list of medicines and, if you have one, your blood gas test result.
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Frequently asked questions
The questions our patients and their relatives ask most often, with answers. We discuss questions about your own situation together at the consultation.
APPOINTMENT
Book an appointment for a preliminary assessment
To find out whether you are suitable, book a preliminary assessment appointment. Bring your breathing test, chest CT scan report and list of medicines with you.
info@yalcinkarakoca.com · Rüzgarlıbahçe Mah. Cumhuriyet Cad. Hasoğlu Plaza Kat:3, Kavacık / Beykoz, İstanbul
This page is for general information purposes. It does not replace a medical examination or diagnosis. Treatment decisions are made during an examination, on an individual basis. In an emergency, call 112.
Medical content review: Prof. Dr. Yalçın Karakoca, Pulmonologist · Last updated: 25 September 2026