There have been dramatic advances in the field of bronchoscopy over recent years, with a multitude of standard and specialized techniques being used by bronchoscopists in the diagnosis and management of respiratory disease, particularly in lung cancer. Standard techniques commonly used in respiratory departments include endobronchial and transbronchial biopsy, bronchial washing and brushing, broncho-alveolar lavage and endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration, particularly for the diagnosis and staging of lung cancer.