Lung biopsy is a diagnostic procedure that consists of taking and analyzing a sample of lung tissue from a person with respiratory problems in the laboratory.
Generally, doctors resort to a lung biopsy when they suspect serious lung diseases, such as pulmonary fibrosis, sarcoidosis, or lung cancer.
Moreover, they could practice it even in case of serious pneumonia or if the diagnostic imaging tests (RX-thorax, CAT scan, etc.) have given poor results.
There are four different ways to take the tissue sample. The choice of the most suitable method for the situation depends on at least three factors: from the location from which the lung tissue sample is to be taken, from the size of the tissue that the doctor wants to analyze and, finally, from the patient's state of health.
A first way to perform the sampling is through a tool called a bronchoscope ( bronchoscopic biopsy ).
A second sampling method is by inserting a long needle into the chest ( pulmonary needle biopsy ).
A third way is through a traditional surgery, during which a small incision is made at the level of the side ( "open-air" lung biopsy ).
Finally, a fourth method is via video-assisted thoracoscopy ( thoracoscopic biopsy ).
