Investigation of bronchoscopy data of patients with a preliminary diagnosis of lung cancer who admitted to our hospital from the lakes region

Pulmonary Lung cancer, due to its high prevalence and mortality rates, represents a significant public health concern. With the advancement of diagnostic methods and increased access to healthcare, there is a growing number of diagnosed cancer cases each year. Alongside developments in early diagnosis and treatment, efforts towards preventing and protecting against lung cancer have gained importance in contemporary healthcare. This study aims to compare the demographic characteristics of patients residing in the Lakes Region, particularly in our province (85), who presented to our hospital with a preliminary diagnosis of lung cancer and underwent bronchoscopy, along with the findings obtained from the bronchoscopy procedure. A retrospective investigation was conducted on 413 patients who applied to Süleyman Demirel University Research and Application Hospital from the Lakes Region between 2018 and 2023 and underwent bronchoscopy. Demographic information, including gender, age during bronchoscopy, place of residence (province/district), apple cultivation in the region, smoking history, family history of cancer, symptom status, additional diseases, biopsy status, biopsy methods, biopsy results, and subtypes in case of cancer or inflammation/infection, were recorded and compared based on bronchoscopy results. In the study, 79.2% of the patients were male (n=327), and 20.8% were female (n=86), with an average age of 64.48±11.33 years (min:19-max:91). The majority of patients (75.8%, n=313) were either active smokers or had a history of smoking. The incidence of cancer was higher in males (p<0.001) and those with a history of smoking (p<0.001). Biopsies obtained using the forceps method had a higher rate of cancer detection (p<0.001). It was observed that the majority of patients received a cancer diagnosis following biopsy (p<0.001), with squamous cell carcinoma being the most frequently observed subtype (p<0.001). A significant increase in lung cancer incidence was found in residents of Isparta, particularly in areas engaged in apple cultivation (p<0.001). Consistent with the literature, this study suggests that smoking and male gender are risk factors for lung cancer. In cases suspected of malignancy, the use of forceps in bronchoscopy procedures may be recommended. Additionally, the study suggests a predictable association between chemical exposure in regions engaged in apple cultivation and the development of lung cancer. When practicing apple cultivation, careful selection of plant protection products should be considered to eliminate at least one of the risk factors associated with lung cancer.