The papers deals with a wide spectrum of puncture techniques having been used in the diagnosis of bronchogenic cancer. The author describes technical aspects of the diagnosis and also the advantages, disadvantages and complications of bronchoscopic or percutaneous approach. The importance of cytology is outlined and critically compared with histological findings. Recent methods for guiding are mentioned including computer tomography and sciascopy by the C-arm. Endosonography offers a further refinement of the described techniques.

        Key words: diagnosis of bronchogenic cancer, perbronchial puncture, transparietal lung puncture, cytology