MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Pleural needle biopsy

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Pleural needle biopsy

Contents of this page:
Illustrations Alternative names Definition How the test is performed How to prepare for the test How the test will feel	Why the test is performed Normal Values What abnormal results mean What the risks are Special considerations

Illustrations

Pleural biopsy

Alternative names Return to top

Closed pleural biopsy; Needle biopsy of the pleura

Definition Return to top

The pleura is a thin membrane that lines the lungs and the inside of the chest wall. A pleural biopsy involves taking a sample of the pleural tissue to be examined under a microscope. The pleural needle biopsy is done under a local anesthetic.

How the test is performed Return to top

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 injected into the skin and into the pleural membrane.

A larger, hollow needle is then inserted through the skin and into the chest cavity. The needle is rotated and, as it is taken out, tissue samples are collected. In general, three biopsy samples are taken. The site is then bandaged.

At various times during the procedure, you will be asked to sing, hum, or say "eee." This helps prevent air from getting into the chest cavity, causing pneumothorax (lung collapse).

How to prepare for the test Return to top

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 preparation you can provide for this test depends on your child's age, previous experiences, and level of trust. For general information regarding how you can prepare your child, see the following topics:

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 the test will feel Return to top

With the injection of the local anesthetic, there may be a brief prick and a burning sensation. When the biopsy needle is inserted, you may feel pressure. As the needle is being withdrawn, you may feel a tugging sensation.

Why the test is performed Return to top

Pleural biopsy is usually done to determine the cause of a persistent pleural effusion (collection of fluid around the lung) or other abnormality of the pleural membrane. Diseases that may be diagnosed by pleural biopsy include tuberculosis and cancer.

Normal Values Return to top

The pleural tissues appear normal, without evidence of inflammation, infection, or malignancy.

What abnormal results mean Return to top

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 include:

What the risks are Return to top

There is a slight chance of the needle puncturing the wall of the lung, which can produce a partial collapse of the lung. This usually resolves on its own. There is a chance of excessive blood loss.

Special considerations Return to top

If a closed pleural biopsy is unsuccessful at making a diagnosis, surgical biopsy of the pleura may be required in some cases.

Update Date: 1/27/2004

Updated by: Allen J. Blaivas, D.O., Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, University Hospital, Newark, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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