Objective: To evaluate the diagnostic value of telomerase activity in the specimens of biopsy with bronchoscopy or cutting needle. Methods: Telomerase activity was measured in the biopsy apecimens taken from 52 patients suspected of having early lung cancer by CT scan. The PCR based silver staining telomeric repeat amplification protocol (TRAP) was used for detection of telomerase activity in 22 patients with early lung cancer (T1N0M0). Control study was made on the specimens taken from 24 patients with benign disease (cyst 3, TB 6, pseudtumor 5, pneumonjia 10). Results: The positive rates of telomerase activity were 86.45% (19/22) and 4.2% (1/24) in early lung cancers and benign lesions respectively (P<0.01). It was significantly higher in early lung cancers than in benign disease. All cases were diagnosed with surgical pathology and following for 2 years. Conclusion: Detecting telomerase activity in preoperative bronchoscope and cutting needle biopsy specimens may contribute to diagnosis of early lung cancer.