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Pleural needle biopsy

Closed pleural biopsy; Needle biopsy of the pleura

 

Pleural biopsy is a procedure to remove a sample of the tissue lining, the lungs, and the inside of the chest wall to check for disease or infection.

How the Test is Performed

 

This test may be done in the hospital. It may also be done at a clinic or doctor's office.

The procedure involves the following:

  • During the procedure, you are sitting up.
  • Your health care provider cleanses the skin at the biopsy site.
  • Numbing drug (anesthetic) is injected through the skin and into the lining of the lungs and chest wall (pleural membrane).
  • A larger, hollow needle is then placed gently through the skin into the chest cavity. Sometimes, the provider uses ultrasound or CT imaging to guide the needle.
  • A smaller cutting needle inside the hollow one is used to collect tissue samples. During this part of the procedure, you are asked to sing, hum, or say "eee." This helps prevent air from getting into the chest cavity, which can cause the lung to collapse ( pneumothorax ). Usually, 3 or more biopsy samples are taken.
  • When the test finished, a bandage is placed over the biopsy site.

In some cases, pleural biopsy is done using a fiberoptic scope. The scope allows the doctor to view the area of the pleura from which the biopsies are taken.

 

How to Prepare for the Test

 

You will have blood tests before the biopsy. You will likely have a chest x-ray .

 

How the Test will Feel

 

When the local anesthetic is injected, you may feel a brief prick (like when an intravenous line is placed) and a burning sensation. When the biopsy needle is inserted, you may feel pressure. As the needle is being removed, you may feel tugging.

 

Why the Test is Performed

 

Pleural biopsy is usually done to find the cause of a collection of fluid around the lung ( pleural effusion ) or other abnormality of the pleural membrane. Pleural biopsy can diagnose tuberculosis , cancer, and other diseases.

If this type of pleural biopsy is not enough to make a diagnosis, you may need a surgical biopsy of the pleura .

 

Normal Results

 

Pleural tissues appear normal, without signs of inflammation, infection, or cancer.

 

What Abnormal Results Mean

 

Abnormal results may reveal cancer (including primary lung cancer , malignant mesothelioma , and metastatic pleural tumor ), tuberculosis, other infections, or collagen vascular disease.

 

Risks

 

There is a slight chance of the needle puncturing the wall of the lung, which can partially collapse the lung. This usually gets better on its own. Sometimes, a chest tube is needed to drain the air and expand the lung.

There is also a chance of excessive blood loss.

 

Considerations

 

If a closed pleural biopsy is not enough to make a diagnosis, you may need a surgical biopsy of the pleura.

 

 

References

Klein JS, Bhave AD. Thoracic radiology. In: Broaddus VC, Mason RJ, Ernst JD, et al, eds. Murray and Nadel's Textbook of Respiratory Medicine . 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2016:chap 19.

Ly A. Fine-needle aspiration biopsy technique and specimen handling. In: Cibas ES, Ducatman BS, eds. Cytology . 4th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2014:chap 8.

Watson N. Respiratory system. In: Watson N. Chapman and Nakielny's Guide to Radiological Procedures . 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2014:chap 7.

 
  • Pleural biopsy - illustration

    In a pleural biopsy, a small piece of pleural tissue in the chest is removed with a needle. The biopsy may distinguish between a cancerous and noncancerous disease. It also can help to detect whether a viral, fungal or parasitic disease is present.

    Pleural biopsy

    illustration

    • Pleural biopsy - illustration

      In a pleural biopsy, a small piece of pleural tissue in the chest is removed with a needle. The biopsy may distinguish between a cancerous and noncancerous disease. It also can help to detect whether a viral, fungal or parasitic disease is present.

      Pleural biopsy

      illustration

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        Tests for Pleural needle biopsy

         

         

        Review Date: 8/11/2015

        Reviewed By: Denis Hadjiliadis, MD, MHS, Associate Professor of Medicine, Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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