Our Summary

This study aimed to see if it was possible and safe to biopsy two lung lesions at once in patients with lung cancer. Over 15 months, ten outpatients with multiple potential cancer spots in the same lung were studied. Each patient had two biopsies during one procedure. The results showed that all patients received useful information from both biopsies, which led to changes in their treatment plans. There was a 60% chance of a lung collapsing (pneumothorax) after the procedure, but only two patients needed treatment for this. No other serious complications occurred. The study concluded that biopsying two lung lesions at once could be a safe and effective way to diagnose patients with multiple lung lesions, providing useful information to guide treatment.

FAQs

  1. Is it safe to biopsy two lung lesions at once?
  2. What is the risk of a lung collapsing after biopsying two lung lesions in one procedure?
  3. How does biopsying two lung lesions at once provide useful information for treatment plans?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor might tell a patient undergoing a lung biopsy to:

  • Follow all pre-procedure instructions, such as fasting or stopping certain medications
  • Arrive on time for the procedure and have a companion available to drive them home afterwards
  • Be prepared for potential side effects, such as a collapsed lung (pneumothorax), and discuss treatment options with the healthcare team
  • Follow post-procedure care instructions carefully, including rest and avoiding strenuous activities
  • Contact the healthcare team immediately if they experience any concerning symptoms after the biopsy, such as chest pain or difficulty breathing.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for a lung biopsy include those with suspected lung cancer, suspicious lung nodules or lesions, abnormal chest x-rays or CT scans, unexplained cough or shortness of breath, or other respiratory symptoms. Additionally, patients who have a history of smoking, exposure to environmental toxins, or a family history of lung cancer may also be recommended for a lung biopsy.

Timeline

Before lung biopsy:

  1. Patient presents to the doctor with symptoms or abnormal findings on imaging studies that suggest a lung lesion.
  2. Doctor orders further tests, such as a CT scan or PET scan, to evaluate the lesion and determine if a biopsy is necessary.
  3. Patient undergoes a consultation with a thoracic surgeon or interventional radiologist to discuss the biopsy procedure and risks involved.
  4. Patient may undergo blood tests and imaging studies to assess their overall health and lung function before the biopsy.

During lung biopsy:

  1. Patient is prepared for the procedure and given local anesthesia to numb the area where the biopsy will be performed.
  2. A small incision is made in the skin, and a biopsy needle or instrument is inserted into the lung to collect tissue samples.
  3. Multiple samples may be taken from different areas of the lung lesion to ensure an accurate diagnosis.
  4. The samples are sent to a pathology lab for analysis to determine if the lesion is cancerous or benign.

After lung biopsy:

  1. Patient is monitored for any immediate complications, such as bleeding or pneumothorax (collapsed lung).
  2. Patient may experience mild pain or discomfort at the biopsy site, which can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication.
  3. Results of the biopsy are discussed with the patient, and a treatment plan is developed based on the findings.
  4. Follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor the patient’s recovery and response to treatment.

In conclusion, the process of undergoing a lung biopsy involves a series of steps before, during, and after the procedure to ensure a safe and accurate diagnosis of lung lesions. The study mentioned above highlights the potential benefits of biopsying multiple lung lesions at once, providing valuable information for treatment planning in patients with lung cancer.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with a lung biopsy procedure?
  2. How will the results of the biopsy impact my treatment plan?
  3. Are there any specific preparations or precautions I need to take before the biopsy procedure?
  4. How long will it take to receive the results of the biopsy?
  5. What is the likelihood of a collapsed lung (pneumothorax) occurring during or after the biopsy procedure?
  6. Will I need to stay in the hospital overnight after the biopsy?
  7. How many samples will be taken during the biopsy procedure?
  8. Will I be sedated during the biopsy procedure?
  9. What follow-up care will be needed after the biopsy procedure?
  10. Are there any alternative diagnostic tests or procedures that could be considered instead of a lung biopsy?

Reference

Authors: Barnett J, Tavare AN, Khan S, Saini A, Creer DD, Hare SS. Journal: Cardiovasc Intervent Radiol. 2017 May;40(5):755-760. doi: 10.1007/s00270-016-1558-0. Epub 2017 Jan 11. PMID: 28078376