Our Summary

This study looked at the effectiveness of using two different needle biopsy methods together to diagnose lung cancer. A biopsy is when a small amount of tissue is taken from the body to be tested. The two methods are fine-needle aspiration (FNA), where a thin needle is used, and core needle biopsy (CNB), where a larger needle is used.

The research included 667 patients who had both types of biopsies in 2012. The samples from the biopsies were then examined by different types of doctors.

The results showed that when both methods were used together, they were very good at correctly identifying cancer. In fact, they were better together than either method on its own. The combination of FNA and CNB correctly identified cancer 98.5% of the time.

The study also found that FNA was helpful for molecular testing, which can give more information about the cancer. This could potentially mean fewer biopsies for patients, which would be less invasive and more convenient for them.

In short, using both FNA and CNB together was found to be a very effective way of diagnosing lung cancer, and could potentially be less invasive for patients.

FAQs

  1. What are the two different needle biopsy methods for diagnosing lung cancer discussed in this study?
  2. According to the study, what are the benefits of using both FNA and CNB methods together?
  3. How can the use of FNA and CNB together potentially be less invasive for patients?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might give a patient about lung biopsy is to make sure to follow all pre-biopsy instructions, such as fasting before the procedure and avoiding certain medications that can increase the risk of bleeding. Additionally, it’s important to discuss any concerns or questions with your healthcare provider before the biopsy to ensure you fully understand the procedure and what to expect during and after it. Finally, make sure to follow all post-biopsy care instructions, such as resting and avoiding strenuous activities to promote proper healing.

Suitable For

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

  1. Suspicious lung nodules or masses found on imaging studies such as chest X-rays or CT scans
  2. Symptoms of lung cancer such as persistent cough, chest pain, difficulty breathing, or unexplained weight loss
  3. Abnormal lung function tests
  4. History of smoking or exposure to asbestos or other lung cancer risk factors
  5. Previous inconclusive diagnostic tests such as sputum cytology or bronchoscopy
  6. Monitoring for cancer recurrence or treatment response

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 visits a doctor and discusses symptoms and concerns.
  2. Doctor orders imaging tests such as CT scans or X-rays to locate the abnormal tissue in the lungs.
  3. Patient may undergo blood tests or other diagnostic tests.
  4. Doctor recommends a lung biopsy for further evaluation.

During the lung biopsy:

  1. Patient is given instructions on how to prepare for the procedure, including fasting before the biopsy.
  2. Patient is given anesthesia to numb the area where the biopsy will be performed.
  3. Doctor uses a needle to collect a small tissue sample from the lungs.
  4. Procedure typically takes around 30-60 minutes.

After the lung biopsy:

  1. Patient may experience some pain or discomfort at the biopsy site.
  2. Doctor monitors the patient for any complications such as bleeding or infection.
  3. Tissue sample is sent to a laboratory for analysis.
  4. Results are typically available within a few days to a week.
  5. Doctor discusses the biopsy results with the patient and recommends further treatment if necessary.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about lung biopsy include:

  1. What are the risks and benefits of having a lung biopsy?
  2. How will the biopsy be performed?
  3. Will I need to stay in the hospital after the biopsy?
  4. How long will it take to get the results of the biopsy?
  5. What will happen if the biopsy results show that I have cancer?
  6. Will I need any follow-up tests or treatments after the biopsy?
  7. Are there any alternative tests or procedures that could be done instead of a lung biopsy?
  8. How experienced is the doctor who will be performing the biopsy?
  9. Can I get a second opinion on the biopsy results?
  10. How often will I need to have follow-up appointments or tests after the biopsy?

Reference

Authors: Chen L, Jing H, Gong Y, Tam AL, Stewart J, Staerkel G, Guo M. Journal: Cancer Cytopathol. 2020 Mar;128(3):201-206. doi: 10.1002/cncy.22234. Epub 2020 Jan 8. PMID: 31913583