Overview

Lung Biopsy

(Biopsy-Lung, Closed Lung Biopsy, Transthoracic Needle Lung Biopsy, Percutaneous Needle Lung Biopsy, Transbronchial Lung Biopsy, Pulmonary Biopsy, Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery, VATS)

Procedure Overview

What is a lung biopsy?

A biopsy is a procedure performed to remove tissue or cells from the body for examination under a microscope. A lung biopsy is a procedure in which samples of lung tissue are removed (with a special biopsy needle or during surgery) to determine if lung disease or cancer is present.

A lung biopsy may be performed using either a closed or an open method. Closed methods are performed through the skin or through the trachea (windpipe). An open biopsy is performed in the operating room under general anesthesia.

The various biopsy procedures include:

needle biopsy - After a local anesthetic is given, the physician uses a needle that is guided through the chest wall into a suspicious area with computed tomography (CT or CAT scan) or fluoroscopy (a type of x-ray “movie”) to obtain a tissue sample. This type of biopsy may also be referred to as a “closed,” “transthoracic,” or “percutaneous” (through the skin) biopsy.
transbronchial biopsy - This type of biopsy is performed through a fiberoptic bronchoscope (a long, thin tube that has a close-focusing telescope on the end for viewing) through the main airways of the lungs (bronchoscopy).
thoracoscopic biopsy - After a general anesthetic is given, an endoscope is inserted through the chest wall into the chest cavity. Various types of biopsy tools can be inserted through the endoscope to obtain lung tissue for examination. This procedure may be referred to as video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) biopsy. In addition to obtaining tissue for biopsy, therapeutic procedures such as the removal of a nodule or other tissue lesion may be performed.
open biopsy - After a general anesthetic is given, the physician makes an incision in the skin on the chest and surgically removes a piece of lung tissue. Depending on the results of the biopsy, more extensive surgery, such as the removal of a lung lobe may be performed during the procedure. An open biopsy is a surgical procedure and requires a hospital stay.

Other related procedures that may be used to help diagnose problems of the lungs and respiratory tract include chest x-ray, CT scan of the chest, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), bronchoscopy, bronchography, chest fluoroscopy, chest ultrasound, lung scan, oximetry, mediastinoscopy, peak flow measurement, positron emission tomography (PET) scan, pulmonary function tests, pleural biopsy, pulmonary angiogram, sinus x-ray, and thoracentesis. Please see these procedures for additional information.

Anatomy of the respiratory system:

The respiratory system is made up of the organs involved in the interchanges of gases, and consists of the:

nose
pharynx
larynx
trachea
bronchi
lungs

The upper respiratory tract includes the:

nose
nasal cavity
ethmoidal air cells
frontal sinuses
maxillary sinus
larynx
trachea

The lower respiratory tract includes the lungs, bronchi, and alveoli.
What are the functions of the lungs?

The lungs take in oxygen, which cells need to live and carry out their normal functions. The lungs also get rid of carbon dioxide, a waste product of the body's cells.

The lungs are a pair of cone-shaped organs made up of spongy, pinkish-gray tissue. They take up most of the space in the chest, or the thorax (the part of the body between the base of the neck and diaphragm).
The lungs are enveloped in a membrane called the pleura.

The lungs are separated from each other by the mediastinum, an area that contains the following:

the heart and its large vessels
trachea (windpipe)
esophagus
thymus
lymph nodes

The right lung has three sections, called lobes. The left lung has two lobes. When you breathe, the air enters the body through the nose or the mouth. It then travels down the throat through the larynx (voice box) and trachea (windpipe) and goes into the lungs through tubes called main-stem bronchi.

One main-stem bronchus leads to the right lung and one to the left lung. In the lungs, the main-stem bronchi divide into smaller bronchi and then into even smaller tubes called bronchioles. Bronchioles end in tiny air sacs called alveoli.

Reasons for the Procedure

Reasons for which a lung biopsy may be performed include, but are not limited to, the following:

to evaluate an abnormality seen on chest x-ray or CT scan
to diagnose lung infection or other lung disease
to investigate the cause of unexplained fluid collection in the lung
to determine if a lung mass is malignant (cancerous) or benign
to stage malignant tumors (determine the extent of spreading)

The type of biopsy performed will depend on several factors, such as the type of lung problem, the location of the lesion, and the overall condition of the person.

There may be other reasons for your physician to recommend a lung biopsy.

Risks of the Procedure

An open or thoracoscopic lung biopsy is a surgical procedure that is performed under general anesthesia. As with any surgical procedure, complications may occur. Some possible complications may include, but are not limited to, the following:

blood loss or clots
pain or discomfort
infection
pneumonia

A needle or transbronchial lung biopsy is performed under light sedation and/or local anesthesia. Some possible complications of these procedures may include, but are not limited to, the following:

pneumothorax - air becomes trapped in the pleural space causing the lung to collapse
bleeding in the lung
infection

If you are pregnant, or suspect that you may be pregnant, you should notify your physician.

If the biopsy is performed using an x-ray (CT or fluoroscopy), the amount of radiation used during the procedure is considered minimal; therefore, the risk for radiation exposure is very low.

There may be other risks depending upon your specific medical condition. Be sure to discuss any concerns with your physician prior to the procedure.

Before the Procedure

The physician will explain the procedure to you and offer you the opportunity to ask any questions that you might have.
You will be asked to sign a consent form that gives your permission to do the biopsy. Read the form carefully and ask questions if something is not clear. If you are to have a thoracoscopic or open lung biopsy, your physician may discuss with you the possibility of more extensive surgery being performed during the procedure depending on the results of the biopsy.
In addition to a complete medical history, your physician may perform a physical examination to ensure you are in good health before undergoing the procedure. You may undergo blood or other diagnostic tests.
You will be asked to fast for eight hours before the procedure, generally after midnight. If local anesthesia is to be used for the procedure, you may be permitted clear liquids in the morning of the procedure. Your physician will give you specific instructions.
If you are pregnant or suspect that you may be pregnant, you should notify your physician.
Notify your physician if you are sensitive to or are allergic to any medication, latex, iodine, tape, or anesthetic agents (local and general).
Notify your physician of all medications (prescription and over-the-counter) and herbal supplements that you are taking.

For more information, medical assessment and medical quote

as email attachment to

Email : - info@wecareindia.com

Contact Center Tel. (+91) 9029304141 (10 am. To 8 pm. IST)

(Only for international patients seeking treatment in India)