Our Summary

This study looked at the effectiveness and safety of using CT-guided biopsies to diagnose small lung nodules (less than 8mm in size). This method was found to be highly accurate and safe, with comparable results to larger nodules (8-10mm in size). However, the smallest nodules (less than 6mm) had a higher rate of inconclusive results. It was also found that nodules that were not located just beneath the lung surface and older patients were more likely to have a higher risk of bleeding after the procedure. The study concludes that CT-guided biopsies can be a good method for diagnosing small lung nodules, particularly those between 6 and 8mm in size.

FAQs

  1. What is the effectiveness of using CT-guided biopsies to diagnose small lung nodules?
  2. Are there any risks associated with CT-guided biopsies for diagnosing small lung nodules?
  3. How does the size of the lung nodule affect the accuracy of the CT-guided biopsy?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about lung biopsy is to follow all pre-procedure instructions carefully, such as fasting before the procedure and stopping certain medications as advised by the doctor. It is also important to inform the doctor about any allergies or medical conditions, as well as any medications or supplements being taken. After the biopsy, it is important to follow all post-procedure instructions, such as resting and avoiding strenuous activities for a certain period of time. It is also important to watch for any signs of infection or complications, such as increased pain, redness, swelling, or difficulty breathing, and to contact the doctor immediately if any of these occur.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for lung biopsy include those with:

  1. Suspicious lung nodules or masses seen on imaging studies such as chest X-rays or CT scans
  2. Symptoms such as coughing up blood, persistent cough, shortness of breath, or chest pain
  3. Abnormal lung function tests
  4. Known or suspected lung cancer
  5. Monitoring for progression or recurrence of lung cancer
  6. Infections or inflammatory conditions affecting the lungs
  7. Evaluation of lung diseases such as pulmonary fibrosis or sarcoidosis

It is important for patients to discuss the risks and benefits of a lung biopsy with their healthcare provider to determine if it is the appropriate diagnostic procedure for their specific situation.

Timeline

Before the lung biopsy:

  1. Patient presents with symptoms such as coughing, chest pain, shortness of breath, or abnormal chest x-ray or CT scan results.
  2. Patient undergoes a consultation with a pulmonologist or thoracic surgeon to discuss the need for a lung biopsy.
  3. Pre-procedure tests are conducted, such as blood tests, chest x-ray, and CT scan to locate the nodule.
  4. Patient may need to stop taking certain medications, such as blood thinners, before the procedure.
  5. Patient is instructed on fasting before the procedure.

During the lung biopsy:

  1. Patient is positioned on a CT scanner table and given local anesthesia at the biopsy site.
  2. A needle is inserted through the chest wall and into the lung nodule under CT guidance.
  3. Tissue samples are collected for examination.
  4. Patient may experience some discomfort or pressure during the procedure.

After the lung biopsy:

  1. Patient is monitored for a few hours to check for any complications, such as bleeding or pneumothorax (collapsed lung).
  2. Patient may experience some pain or soreness at the biopsy site.
  3. Results of the biopsy are typically available within a few days to a week.
  4. Depending on the results, further treatment or monitoring may be recommended by the healthcare provider.
  5. Patient may be advised to avoid strenuous activities for a few days following the procedure.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is the purpose of the lung biopsy and what information will it provide about my condition?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with the procedure?
  3. How will the biopsy be performed and what can I expect during and after the procedure?
  4. Will I need to make any special preparations before the biopsy?
  5. How long will it take to get the results of the biopsy?
  6. What are the possible treatment options depending on the results of the biopsy?
  7. Are there any alternative diagnostic tests or procedures that could be considered instead of a lung biopsy?
  8. Will I need to follow any specific post-procedure care instructions?
  9. How experienced are you in performing CT-guided lung biopsies?
  10. What is the success rate of CT-guided biopsies for small lung nodules like mine?

Reference

Authors: Chang YY, Chen CK, Yeh YC, Wu MH. Journal: Eur Radiol. 2018 Feb;28(2):796-806. doi: 10.1007/s00330-017-5027-1. Epub 2017 Sep 7. PMID: 28884222