Why is this procedure done?
The pleura lines the lung and inner chest wall. It protects and cushions the lungs. It also makes a small amount of fluid that lubricates the lungs. A needle biopsy of the lung and pleura is done to get a sample from the lung and pleural tissue or fluid. The fluid or tissue will be tested to look for changes that may be causing your illness. ‚
A needle biopsy of the lung and pleura is done to: ‚
- Find out the cause of fluid around the lungs
- Look for tuberculosis
- Look for infection
- Look for cancer or other health problems in your lungs
What will the results be?
The biopsy test result will tell your doctor if you have an illness. It will also tell your doctor if more treatment is needed. Your doctor may do other tests to go along with this one. ‚
What happens before the procedure?
- Your doctor will take your history. Talk to the doctor about:
- All the drugs you are taking. Be sure to include all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and herbal supplements. Tell the doctor about any drug allergy. Bring a list of drugs you take with you.
- Any bleeding problems. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking any drugs that may cause bleeding. Some of these are Coumadin ‚ ®, ibuprofen, Aleve ‚ ® (naproxen), or aspirin. Certain vitamins and herbs, such as garlic and fish oil, may also add to the risk for bleeding. You may need to stop these drugs as well. Talk to your doctor about them.
- If you need to stop eating or drinking before your procedure.
- Your doctor will do an exam and may order:
- You will not be allowed to drive right away after the procedure. Ask a family member or a friend to drive you home.
What happens during the procedure?
- Once you are in the procedure room, the staff will put an I.V. in your arm to give you fluids and drugs.
- You will be given a numbing drug in the skin and muscle where the biopsy will be taken. This will help you stay pain free during the procedure.
- If you are very nervous, you may have some drugs to help you relax. These drugs can make you sleepy.
- Your doctor will ask you to sit and lean forward. Your doctor will clean your chest with an antiseptic solution.
- Your doctor will use an ultrasound or CT scan to locate the area to be biopsied.
- Your doctor will make a small cut in your chest.
- Your doctor will put a needle through the cut until it reaches the lung or pleura.
- Your doctor will collect the tissue or fluid sample through the needle.
- After the biopsy, your doctor will take out the needle.
- Your doctor will put pressure on the biopsy site to stop bleeding. Your doctor will clean the site and put a bandage in place.
- Your doctor will send the tissue or fluid samples to the lab for testing.
- The procedure takes 30 to 60 minutes.
What happens after the procedure?
- You will be given a chest x-ray to make sure your lung has not collapsed.
- You may feel some pain. Your doctor will give you drugs for this.
- You will stay in the procedure room until your doctor thinks you are ready to go home.
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Talk to your doctor about how to care for your biopsy site. Ask your doctor about:
- When you should change your bandages
- When you may take a bath or shower
- If you need to be careful with lifting things over 10 pounds
- When you may go back to your normal activities like work, driving, or sex
- Be sure to wash your hands before touching your wound or dressing.
What follow-up care is needed?
- Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits.
- Ask your doctor when you can get and talk about the results. Together you can make a plan for more care.
Will physical activity be limited?
You may need to limit your activity for a day or two. Talk to your doctor about the right amount of activity for you. ‚
What problems could happen?
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Collapsed lung
- Injury to nearby organs
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Signs of infection. These include a fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher, chills, or wound that will not heal.
- Signs of wound infection. These include swelling, redness, warmth around the biopsy site; too much pain when touched; yellowish, greenish, or bloody discharge; foul smell coming from the biopsy site; biopsy site opens up.
- Shortness of breath, bad cough, or chest pain.
- Coughing up blood
- Pain taking a deep breath
- Dizziness or feel light you might pass out
Where can I learn more?
American College of Radiology ‚
http://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?pg=nlungbiop ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚