What is a Lung Biopsy?
A lung biopsy is a procedure in which samples of lung tissue are removed (with a special biopsy needle) to determine if lung disease or cancer is present. Other reasons to perform a lung biopsy are;
- To evaluate an abnormality seen on a chest x-ray, CT scan, or PET CT study.
- To diagnose lung infection, other lung disease, lung cancer.
- 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 procedure is performed by a radiologist under Computed Tomography ( CT or CAT scan) guidance.
What is the Preparation for a Lung biopsy?
- You will be asked to fast 6 hours before the procedure.
- The nurse from Advanced Imaging will give you specific instructions on what medications you may take with water the day of your biopsy.
- Patients taking aspirin and ibuprofen containing medications, Multivitamins, garlic, and Fish Oil (Omega three) are asked to stop these medications 5 days prior to the procedure.
- Patients taking Coumadin, Persantine, Plavix, or Platel may be asked to hold these medications after their treating physician has given consent to hold the medication. This will be coordinated by the nurse at Advanced Imaging and your treating physician. You will be notified what day to hold your medication.
- You will be asked to change into a patient gown, but in most cases you will be able to keep your pants on. Pants with an elastic waist band work well. No belt, or wallet in pocket.
Pre Procedure
- A nurse from Advanced Imaging will call to obtain a medical history prior to your biopsy, as well as a current list of medications you are taking (this will include herbal medications, multivitamins, etc.).
Can I drive myself?
- No, you will need a driver.
How long will I be at Advanced Imaging?
- You will stay for observation for 2 hours AFTER the biopsy is completed. On average a total time will be around 3 to 4 hours.
What to Expect the day of the biopsy
- Upon your arrival at Advanced Imaging you will check in with the receptionist. You will be asked to provide a picture ID (usually a license) and a valid insurance card.
- You will be asked to complete and sign the Authorization for Care and Release of Health Information. (If you wish to allow any other person to receive your medical information or have your results released to anyone, other than yourself you will indicate that on this form)
- You will be given and asked to sign the Acknowledgement of Receipt of Notice of Privacy Practices.
- Family members will be asked to wait in the lobby when you are called for your procedure.
- A gown will be provided for you to change into and you will be asked to remove any necklaces.
- You will be asked to sign consent for treatment and given an opportunity to ask questions prior to the procedure.
- A nurse will evaluate your vital signs, and an Intravenous line (IV) will be started in your arm.
- You will be escorted to the CT scan suite and positioned so the physician can easily reach the part of the lung that will be sampled.
- You will receive oxygen through nasal tubing and monitoring equipment will be placed on your arm for blood pressure and oxygen saturation. This will remain for the two hours following the procedure.
- The technologist will review the breathing instructions prior to the procedure. You will be asked to try not to cough and remain still during the procedure.
- A CT will be obtained to locate the desired biopsy site, and the area will be marked.
- The Radiologist will prep the area with betadine and administer a local anesthetic.
- The biopsy needle will be advanced slowly, and several CT scans obtained while the needle is being positioned.
- Once the needle is positioned in the suspicious tissue you may feel some pressure when a sample is taken.
- Firm pressure will be applied to the biopsy site after the specimen is obtained and you may be asked to lie onto the area the biopsy was performed. A band aid will be applied.
- A final CT will be taken of the chest before you are transferred to a stretcher and the nursing area.
- Your vital signs will be monitored every 15 minutes for the next two hours.
- One family member will be allowed to sit with you during your recovery time.
- You will be offered some sips of water but nothing to drink for 2 hours.
- In two hours a chest xray will be obtained and you will be offered something to eat.
- Your IV and oxygen will be discontinued and you will receive your discharge instructions.
- You should have a family member or friend drive you home.
Home Care
- If the biopsy site is tender or sore you may take Tylenol for pain.
- You may shower the following day
- Avoid any strenuous or physical activities for 2 to 3 days following the biopsy.
Report any of the following to Advanced Imaging:
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Difficulty breathing or pain with breathing
- Coughing up blood
- Fever and/or chills
- Redness swelling or bleeding or other drainage from the biopsy site
Exam Results
- Specimens are sent to an independent Pathologist for evaluation
- Your physician will receive a separate written report from the radiologist and pathologist within two to seven days. It is important to keep your follow up appointment to obtain these results.
If you are unable to keep your appointment, please let us know as soon as possible. Should you be admitted to the hospital, please inform your physician about your appointment.
If you have any questions please call Advanced Imaging at : 941-235-4646 and ask to speak to the nurse.
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