Lung Biopsy

Biopsy, Lung

What To Think About

• Before a final diagnosis is made, the results of a lung biopsy will be considered along with your medical history, physical examination, and the results of other tests, including a chest X-ray or a computed tomography (CT) scan. A bronchoscopy may also be helpful. For more information, see the medical tests Chest X-ray, CT Scan, and Bronchoscopy.
• A lung biopsy may not be done for people who have:
  • Advanced lung disease, such as emphysema.
  • Bleeding disorders.
  • Heart failure, high blood pressure in the lungs (pulmonary hypertension), or enlargement of the right side of the heart (cor pulmonale).
• Recovery from a video-assisted thorascopic surgery (VATS) takes less time than from an open biopsy surgery.

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Author:	Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS	Last Updated: March 21, 2007
Medical Review:	Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine Robert L. Cowie, MB, FCP(SA), MD, MSc, MFOM - Pulmonology
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