Alternate Names: Biopsy - pleural needle

How Performed: This test does not have to be done in the hospital. You will be sitting up for the biopsy. The skin at the biopsy site will be cleansed, and a local anesthetic will be given. The needle is then inserted through the skin so that the biopsy can be taken. The needle is rotated and tissue samples are withdrawn. The biopsy site is then bandaged.

How To Prepare: Blood tests will be done before the biopsy, and a chest X-ray may also be taken. You must sign consent forms.

Infants and children:
The physical and psychological preparation you can provide for this or any test or procedure depends on your child’s age, interests, previous experience, and level of trust. For specific information regarding how you can prepare your child, see the following topics as they correspond to your child’s age:

• infant test or procedure preparation (birth to 1 year)
• toddler test or procedure preparation (1 to 3 years)
• preschooler test or procedure preparation (3 to 6 years)
• schoolage test or procedure preparation (6 to 12 years)
• adolescent test or procedure preparation (12 to 18 years)

How It Feels: With the injection of the local anesthetic, there will be a brief prick and a burning sensation.

Risks: There is a slight chance of the needle puncturing the wall of the lung (this can produce a partial collapse of the lung). This usually resolves on its own. There is a chance of excessive blood loss.

Why Performed: The biopsy may distinguish between a cancerous and noncancerous disease. It will help detect whether a viral, fungal or parasitic disease is present.

Normal Values: The pleural tissues are of normal structure.

Abnormal Results: The abnormal results may reveal cancer, tuberculosis, a viral disease, a fungal disease, a parasitic disease, or collagen vascular disease.

Additional conditions under which the test may be performed:

• metastatic pleural tumor
• primary lung cancer

Cost:

Special Considerations: Not applicable.