LUNG BIOPSY

INTRODUCTION

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.

DEFINITION

A lung needle biopsy is a procedure to obtain a very small sample of lung tissue. The
tissue is then examined with a microscope.This technique is used to diagnose an irregular area of
tissue in your lungs. A needle biopsy is also called percutaneous needle aspiration.

INDICATIONS

 determine whether a lung mass is benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous)

 stage a malignant lung tumor
 monitor the progression of lung disease
 identify the cause of inflammation in your lung
 explain why fluid has collected in your lung
 diagnose a lung infection