Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing the Performance of 19 Gauge Versus 22 Gauge EBUS-TBNA Needles in Lung Carcinoma

All patients with (suspected) stage IV lung carcinoma identified on spiral computed tomography scan and requiring an EBUS-TBNA investigation to obtain intrathoracic hilar or mediastinal lymph node tissue for diagnosis, subtyping and genotyping of lung cancer are eligible for participation in this study. Procedural technique : patients undergo an EBUS-TBNA procedure with either the Flex 19 Ga needle or the 22 Ga needle ; all procedures are performed using a linear array echoendosope under moderate sedation (standard practice). Primary endpoint of the study is the presence of core tissue that is defined as a continuous string of material as observed on the microscopic examination. Secondary endpoints are elements relevant to molecular analysis.