What is a lung biopsy?

A lung biopsy is an x-ray guided procedure in which samples of lung tissue are taken through a needle.

Why do I need a lung biopsy?

Your doctor has found an abnormal area on your chest x-ray.

Where is the lung biopsy performed?

It is performed in the Radiology Department.

Who will perform the lung biopsy?

One of our specially trained Interventional Radiologists.

What can I expect before the lung biopsy?

• You will be seen in our clinic by one of our doctors and/or nurse clinicians, who will obtain a health history, perform a brief physical exam, explain the procedure and answer your questions.
• You will have blood drawn.
• You may be required to have a CT (computed tomography) scan.
• You will have an IV (intravenous) catheter started the day of your procedure.
• You will sign a consent form.

   

What can I expect during the lung biopsy?

• You will be attached to a monitor so that IV (intravenous) medication can be given to relax you.
• An area on your chest or back will be cleaned with special soap.
• The doctor will numb the skin and insert a needle into your lung to obtain some tissue. Three or four samples of tissue may be taken.
• The sample(s) will be sent to Pathology for evaluation. You should get your results within 2 to 4 days.

What can I expect after the lung biopsy?

• You will receive a chest x-ray immediately, to look for air leakage into the lung space.
• You will be observed in our department for 4 hours.
• After 4 hours, you will receive a 2nd chest x-ray.
• If this x-ray is unchanged, you will be discharged to home.
• If you have an air leak, you will be admitted to the hospital to be observed for an increase in the air leak.
• If your air leak is large or is causing you breathing problems, the doctor will insert a small tube in your chest or back to help stop the air leak and let your lung re-inflate.
• You will be watched closely and get a few more chest x-rays before the tube is removed.
• The doctor will remove the tube when your lung stays inflated by itself.

   

What are the risks of having a lung biopsy?

• Bleeding
• Infection
• An air leak in the lung (pneumothorax).

What are the benefits of having a lung biopsy?

Knowing what the abnormal tissue is made of.

 

What are the alternatives to having a lung biopsy?

• Open surgical biopsy
• Discuss with your doctor the risks of not finding out what the abnormal tissue is made of.