A needle biopsy of the lung or pleura is done to remove a sample of lung or pleural tissue. Pleura is the lining of the lungs and chest wall. Once the tissue is removed, it will be examined in a lab. If there is a collection of fluid around the lung, a sample of fluid may also be taken at the time of the biopsy.
This procedure is used to diagnose abnormal tissue in or around the lung. Possible reasons for abnormal tissue are:
Problems from the procedure are infrequent, but all procedures have some risk. Your doctor will review potential problems, like:
Factors that may increase the risk of complications include:
Make sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant.
Images of the chest and lungs may be taken with:
Leading up to your procedure, do not start taking any new medications without consulting your doctor.
Talk to your doctor about your medications. You may be asked to stop taking some medications up to 1 week before the procedure.
Your skin will be cleaned with an antiseptic solution. You will be in a seated position, leaning forward, with your arms resting on a table for support. You should remain as still as possible. An ultrasound or CT scan will be used to locate the exact area.
A small cut will be made in your skin. Then, while you hold your breath, the biopsy needle will be inserted through the cut. The needle will be passed between your ribs until it reaches the lung or pleura. Some cells will be withdrawn through the biopsy needle. The needle will be withdrawn. Pressure will be put on the site of the incision. When the bleeding stops, a bandage will be applied.
30-60 minutes
Your activity may be restricted for up to 1 week. Follow your doctor's instructions.
It is important to monitor your recovery. Alert your doctor to any problems. If any of the following occurs, call your doctor:
If you think you have an emergency, call for medical help right away.
Canadian Cancer Society
The Lung Association
Needle biopsy of the lung. Radiological Society of North America Radiology Info website. Available at: http://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?pg=nlungbiop. Updated March 17, 2016. Accessed February 12, 2018.
Needle biopsy of the lung, pleura, mediastinum, or adrenal glands. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center website. Available at: http://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/patient-education/resources/needle-biopsy-lung-pleura-mediastinum-adrenal-glands. Updated April 3, 2017. Accessed February 12, 2018.
Ost D, Fein A, et al. Clinical practice. The solitary pulmonary nodule. N Engl J Med. 2003;348:2535.
Pleural biopsy. Johns Hopkins Medicine website. Available at: http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/healthlibrary/test_procedures/pulmonary/pleural_biopsy_92,p07757. Accessed February 12, 2018.
Transthoracic needle biopsy. The Merck Manual Professional Edition website. Available at: http://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/pulmonary_disorders/diagnostic_pulmonary_procedures/transthoracic_needle_biopsy.html. Updated October 2016. Accessed February 12, 2018.
Types of biopsy procedures. American Cancer Society website. Available at: https://www.cancer.org/treatment/understanding-your-diagnosis/tests/testing-biopsy-and-cytology-specimens-for-cancer/biopsy-types.html. Updated March 30, 2015. Accessed February 12, 2018.
6/3/2011 DynaMed Plus Systematic Literature Surveillance http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T905141/Treatm...-for-tobacco-use: Mills E, Eyawo O, et al. Smoking cessation reduces postoperative complications: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Am J Med. 2011;124(2):144-154.
Last reviewed February 2018 by EBSCO Medical Review BoardDavid A. Ostrovsky, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.