Pleural biopsy

Alternative Names: Pleural needle biopsy

In a pleural, or needle, biopsy a tissue sample is taken from the membrane between the lungs and the inside surface of the ribs (the pleura). This test is done in suspected cases of TB (tuberculosis), infections of the pleura (pleurisy), cancer of the pleura (mesothelioma), or lung cancer. A biopsy needle is inserted through the skin on your back to the pleura, and a tissue sample and some fluid are removed. A local anaesthetic is used to numb the skin. After the test, you should report any severe pain, breathing difficulty, swelling under the bandage or bleeding through the bandage to your doctor.

What is it?
A pleural biopsy is a test where a tissue sample, from the pleura (the membrane between the lungs and the inside surface of the ribs).

This procedure can be performed in your doctor’s rooms, a clinic, or in a hospital. It takes less than an hour to complete.

Why is it done?
A pleural biopsy is done when disease of the pleura or underlying lung is suspected. Common diagnoses include:

• Tuberculosis (TB)
• Pleurisy (infections of the pleura)
• Mesothelioma (cancer of the pleura)
• Lung cancer

What happens?

Before – how to prepare
No special preparation is needed although you need to sign a consent form.

During – how the test is done
You will sit on an examination couch and you need to undress from the waist up. An area of skin on your back will be thoroughly cleaned and local anaesthetic is injected under the skin. A biopsy needle is then inserted through the skin, to the pleura. This needle is able to remove a tissue sample as well as some fluid.

This procedure may be painful but good local anaesthetics should minimise this.

After the test
You will have a bandage over the wound on your back. You may have some pain in this area. Any severe pain, breathing difficulty, swelling under the bandage or bleeding through the bandage, should be reported to your doctor.

Risks and Compilations
The needle could puncture the lung, which would require immediate treatment. It is also possible for the needle to damage a blood vessel and cause bleeding.

Short Description
In a pleural, or needle, biopsy a tissue sample is taken from the membrane between the lungs and the inside surface of the ribs (the pleura).

Keywords
pleural biopsy, needle biopsy, pleural needle biopsy