What is a lung biopsy?

A lung biopsy involves removing small pieces of abnormal lung tissue using a needle passed through the skin, between the ribs and into the lung.

What are the benefits of a lung biopsy?

Your doctor (a lung specialist) is concerned about a problem in your lung that has shown up on an x-ray or scan A lung biopsy is a good way of finding out what the problem is and what treatment you may need.

Are there any alternatives to a lung biopsy?

An x-ray or scan can show that you have a problem in your lungs, and can be used to monitor any changes. However, a biopsy helps find out exactly what is causing the problem. It may help your doctor decide if you need more tests or any treatment.

It may be possible to have surgery without your surgeon knowing exactly what the problem is. However, this may put you at an unnecessary risk if your condition is benign (not cancer) or could be treated without surgery (such as an infection).

What will happen if I decide not to have the procedure?

Your doctor may not be able to confirm what the problem is or how best to treat you.

What does the procedure involve?

A lung biopsy usually takes less than 45 minutes. You will be awake throughout the procedure. It involves inserting a needle through your chest wall, between your ribs and into your lung. Your doctor may use a CT or ultrasound scan to help decide exactly where to take the samples from. They will inject local anaesthetic into the area where the needle will be inserted. Your doctor will insert the needle between your ribs and into the abnormal area in your lung.

They will use the needle to take small samples of lung tissue. The samples will be examined under a microscope to find out the cause of your problem.

What complications can happen?

The healthcare team are trained to reduce the risk of complications.

Possible complications of this procedure are shown below. Some can be serious and may even cause death. This risk is higher if your lungs are scarred.

Any risk rates given are taken from studies of people who have had this procedure. Your doctor may be able to tell you if the risk of a complication is higher or lower for you. Some risks are higher if you are older, you are obese, you smoke or you have other health problems. Health problems include diabetes, heart disease or lung disease.

• Pneumothorax, where air escapes into the space around your lung. If a lot of air escapes, this can cause a large pneumothorax.
• Allergic reaction to the equipment, materials or medication.
• Bleeding from a biopsy site. A small amount of bleeding can happen. It is normal to cough up some streaks of blood for 1 to 2 days.

Consequences of this procedure

• pain

How soon will I recover?

You should be able to go home after a few hours.

You should be able to return to work the next day unless you are told otherwise.

The healthcare team will discuss with you any treatment or follow-up you need.

You should be able to return to normal activities the next day.

Regular exercise should improve your long-term health. Before you start exercising, ask the healthcare team or your GP for advice.

Summary

A lung biopsy is usually a safe and effective way of finding out about the problem in your lung.

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