Purpose. To compare the diagnostic value and analyze the complications of a transthoracic aspiration biopsy under the control of fluoroscopy and ultrasound in patients with suspected peripheral lung cancer, usage of laser fluorescence spectroscopy to diagnose peripheral lung cancer.

Materials and methods. In the N.N. Burdenko Faculty surgical clinic of Sechenov University a group of 356 patients (100%) with peripheral lung masses were investigated who underwent transthoracic biopsy under the fluoroscopy control, the second group of 60 patients (100%) with a similar pathology underwent transthoracic biopsy under ultrasound control, 20 patients (33,3%) underwent optical spectroscopy of peripheral lung masses under ultrasound control.

Results. A total of 67 patients (18,8%) after a transthoracic aspiration biopsy of peripheral lung masses under the fluoroscopy control developed complications: pneumothorax, hemoptysis, purulent pleuritis. In 60 patients (100%) with similar pathology, there were no complications recorded during masses puncture under the ultrasound control. In 20 patients (33,3%) with suspected peripheral cancer, laser fluorescence spectroscopy was successfully applied.

Conclusion. An ultrasound-controlled transthoracic aspiration biopsy of lung tumors has an advantage over the traditional technique: it accurately localizes the tumor in the lung, reveals the shortest distance between the pathological mass and the ultrasound probe with a puncture nozzle. Equally important is the absence of radiation exposure, the ability to perform the procedure in patients with serious condition, the method is simple, safe, cost effective.