Fluorescent Light Bronchoscopy Plus White Light Bronchoscopy for Early Detection of Lung Cancer

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: * The following diagnoses are eligible: * Known or suspected bronchogenic carcinoma scheduled for bronchoscopy as part of standard diagnostic or staging work-up * Completely resected stage I/II non-small cell lung cancer with no evidence of metastasis * Stage III non-small cell lung cancer with no evidence of disease for at least 2 years following treatment * Small cell lung cancer with no evidence of disease for at least 2 years following treatment * Completely resected head and neck cancer with no evidence of metastasis * Ability to produce sputum samples required PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: * 18 and over Performance status: * ECOG 0-2 Hematopoietic: * WBC 2,000-20,000 * Platelets at least 50,000 Hepatic: * Not specified Renal: * Not specified Cardiovascular: * No uncontrolled hypertension (i.e., systolic pressure greater than 200 mm Hg or diastolic pressure greater than 120 mm Hg) * No unstable angina Other: * No bleeding disorder * No allergic reaction to topical lidocaine * No pregnant women PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy * Not specified Chemotherapy * Not specified Endocrine therapy * Not specified Radiotherapy * At least 18 months since ionizing radiotherapy to the chest Surgery * See Disease Characteristics Other * At least 1 month since yttrium-aluminum-garnet (YAG) laser therapy to the lung * At least 3 months since fluorescent photosensitizing drugs (e.g., Photofrin)