Autofluorescent bronchoscopy is a new diagnostic me- thod which has been introduced as an expression of the effort to push the diagnosis of lung cancer to the earlier and more easily to handle phases of disease. The article deals with the principle of autofluorescent bronchoscopy and nowadays known results of its application. We also summarize our recent experience with the device. The indications for autofluorescent bronchoscopy are descri- bed more precisely and their rationale is pointed out.

        Key words: lung cancer, autofluorescence, carcinoma in situ, dysplasia