Our Summary

This study looked at whether the type of lung lesion - solid or part-solid - affects the accuracy and complications of a certain type of lung biopsy (CT-guided core needle biopsy). The researchers reviewed data from over 350 patients who underwent this procedure between 2012 and 2016.

The findings showed that it took more time to do biopsies on part-solid lesions. However, the rate of successful diagnosis was about the same for both solid and part-solid lesions. There was no major difference in the occurrence of complications between the two types of lesions, although minor bleeding after the procedure was slightly more common in part-solid lesions.

In simple terms, the study suggests that this type of biopsy is equally effective for solid and part-solid lung lesions. Therefore, it can be used to confirm the nature of lung lesions, regardless of whether they are solid or part-solid. Minor bleeding may be a bit more common with part-solid lesions, but the risk of major bleeding or pneumothorax (collapsed lung) is similar for both types.

FAQs

  1. Does the type of lung lesion affect the accuracy of a CT-guided core needle biopsy?
  2. Is there a difference in complication rates between biopsies done on solid and part-solid lung lesions?
  3. Is the CT-guided core needle biopsy equally effective for both solid and part-solid lung lesions?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor might advise a patient undergoing a lung biopsy to be aware of the possibility of minor bleeding, especially if the lesion is part-solid. However, they can reassure the patient that the procedure is equally effective for both solid and part-solid lesions in confirming the nature of the lung abnormality. It is important for the patient to follow any pre-procedure instructions provided by their healthcare team and to communicate any concerns or questions they may have.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for lung biopsy include those with suspected lung cancer, undiagnosed lung nodules, lung infections, interstitial lung disease, and other lung abnormalities seen on imaging studies. The decision to perform a lung biopsy is usually made by a healthcare provider based on the patient’s medical history, symptoms, and imaging results. The type of lung lesion (solid or part-solid) may not necessarily impact the recommendation for a lung biopsy, as this study suggests that CT-guided core needle biopsy can be effective for both types of lesions.

Timeline

Before the lung biopsy:

  1. Patient undergoes imaging tests such as CT scan or X-ray to identify the lung lesion.
  2. Patient may undergo blood tests to assess their overall health and ability to undergo the biopsy procedure.
  3. Patient will meet with their healthcare provider to discuss the procedure, risks, and benefits.
  4. Patient may be asked to stop taking certain medications before the biopsy.
  5. Patient may be instructed to not eat or drink for a certain period of time before the procedure.

After the lung biopsy:

  1. Patient may experience some pain or discomfort at the biopsy site.
  2. Patient will be monitored for any signs of complications such as bleeding or pneumothorax.
  3. Patient may be advised to avoid strenuous activity for a certain period of time.
  4. Patient will follow up with their healthcare provider to discuss the results of the biopsy and next steps in their treatment plan.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about lung biopsy based on this information include:

  1. How will the type of lung lesion (solid or part-solid) affect the accuracy of the biopsy results?
  2. Are there any differences in the time it takes to perform a biopsy on solid versus part-solid lung lesions?
  3. What are the potential complications of a CT-guided core needle biopsy for both solid and part-solid lung lesions?
  4. How common is minor bleeding after the procedure, especially for part-solid lesions?
  5. What measures will be taken to minimize the risk of complications during and after the biopsy procedure?
  6. How soon can I expect to receive the biopsy results and what will be done next based on the findings?
  7. Are there any alternative biopsy methods that could be considered based on the characteristics of my lung lesion?
  8. What are the possible treatment options depending on the diagnosis obtained from the biopsy results?
  9. How experienced is the medical team in performing CT-guided core needle biopsies for lung lesions?
  10. Are there any specific precautions or instructions I should follow before and after the biopsy procedure to ensure optimal results and recovery?

Reference

Authors: Yun S, Kang H, Park S, Kim BS, Park JG, Jung MJ. Journal: Br J Radiol. 2018 Jul;91(1088):20170946. doi: 10.1259/bjr.20170946. Epub 2018 Jun 1. PMID: 29770737