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Ency. home > Test > L > Lung needle biopsy

Lung needle biopsy   

Overview | Risks | Results

Alternative names:

Transthoracic needle aspiration; Percutaneous needle aspiration

Definition:

This is a test to obtain a specimen of lung tissue for examination.

How the Test is Performed

A chest X-ray or chest CAT scan is often used to identify the area to be biopsied. You sit with your arms resting forward on a table. You should maintain this position and refrain from coughing during the biopsy. The skin is scrubbed and a local anesthetic is injected.

A fluoroscope (mobile X-ray camera) or a CAT-scanner may be used to locate the precise spot of the biopsy.  (If the biopsy is done using a CAT scan, you may be lying down during the exam.)  A small (about 1/8-inch) incision may be made in the skin, and the biopsy needle is inserted into the abnormal tissue, tumor, or lung tissue.

A small specimen is removed with the needle and sent to the laboratory. Pressure is placed over the site. Once bleeding has stopped, a bandage is applied. A chest X-ray is obtained immediately after the biopsy. The procedure usually takes 30 to 60 minutes. Laboratory analysis usually takes a few days.

How to Prepare for the Test

Before a needle biopsy of the lung is conducted, a chest X-ray, CT scan of the chest, or bronchoscopy has been performed. Sometimes a mild sedative will precede the biopsy. You must sign a consent form. It is important to remain as still as possible for the biopsy, and to refrain from coughing.

Infants and children:
The physical and psychological preparation you can provide for this or any test or procedure depends on your child's age, interests, previous experiences, and level of trust. For specific information regarding how you can prepare your child, see the following topics as they correspond to your child's age:

How the Test will Feel

A lung needle biopsy is preceded by a local injection of anesthetic, which will sting for a moment. You will feel pressure and a brief, sharp pain when the needle touches the lung.

Why the Test is Performed

A needle lung biopsy is performed when there is an abnormal condition that is near the surface of the lung, in the lung itself, or on the chest wall. The test is usually performed to diagnose relatively large abnormalities seen on chest X-ray or CAT scan.  Most often, the abnormality is not believed to be accessible by other diagnostic techniques, such as bronchoscopy.

Ency. home > Test > L > Lung needle biopsy

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