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A lung biopsy procedure involves removing small pieces of abnormal lung tissue using a needle. Book an appointment online today.
A lung biopsy involves removing small pieces of abnormal lung tissue using a needle. The procedure is performed by a radiologist (a doctor who specialises in x-rays and scans).
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.
There are no alternatives to help your doctor to find out exactly what is causing the problem.
A lung biopsy usually takes less than 45 minutes. It involves inserting a needle through your chest wall and into your lung. The radiologist may use an x-ray, 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. The radiologist 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.
Like all surgical procedures, there are some complications that can be serious and can even cause death. Please bear in mind there are a few complications regarding this type of operation:
With regular exercise should improve your long-term health. Before you start exercising, ask the healthcare team or your GP for advice.
A lung biopsy is usually a safe and effective way of finding out about the problem in your lung. To find out more, call us on 0808 101 0337.
Authors: Dr David Baldwin MD FRCP, Dr Cheika Kennedy FRCR
Illustrator: Medical Illustration Copyright © Medical-Artist.com
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