Because pleural biopsy is an invasive procedure, it is not recommended for patients with severe bleeding disorders.
The procedure most often performed for pleural biopsy is called a percutaneous (passage through the skin by needle puncture) needle biopsy.
A pleural biopsy is needed when there is suspicion of underlying pleural disease or cancer that is causing symptoms such as unexplained fluid buildup in the pleural space, persistent chest pain, or unexplained fluid in the lungs. It is usually performed when other less invasive tests, such as imaging or fluid analysis, do not provide a definitive diagnosis.
32400
A pleural biopsy is typically performed to diagnose the cause of pleural effusion (build-up of fluid in the pleural space), assess for infection, inflammation, or cancer in the pleura, and guide treatment decisions. By examining a sample of pleural tissue under a microscope, doctors can determine the underlying condition and plan appropriate management.
The biopsy site may take up to six weeks to completely heal.
Normal findings indicate no evidence of any pathologic or disease conditions.
About an hour
An excisional biopsy itself usually takes under one hour
The skin overlying the biopsy site is anesthetized and a small incision is made to allow insertion of the biopsy needle. This needle is inserted with a cannula (a plastic or metal tube) until fluid is removed.
As many as three separate specimens are taken from different sites during the procedure.
Abnormal findings include tumors, viral, fungal, or parasitic infections, and tuberculosis