Exploring Lung Biopsy – The Medical Services and Methods

Before we understand what lung biopsy is, we should understand the question, “what is biopsy?” Biopsy is the method used for medical examination of tissues. A small number of First Aid Case Definition cells or tissues are removed form the affected area of the body and examined in the labs. Generally, the pathologist will use a microscope and examine the sample chemically.
A lung biopsy is the medical procedure where a small part of the tissue from the lung is removed for examination. Like in a general biopsy procedure, a sample tissue or fluid is removed from the lungs to understand abnormalities seen x-rays or other medical problems that the patient faces. It is an indicative test; performed to understand the disease condition of the person. It is used to diagnose ailments like breathing difficulty, allergic conditions, lung infections etc. The test is useful to analyze chronic diseases like tuberculosis, pneumonia, pulmonary fibrosis as well as cancers and other tumors. In rare conditions, there can be accumulation of fluid in the cavity surrounding the lungs or such blockages which can be detected by this methodology.
With the advancement of medical services, the procedure for lung biopsy has also developed and become more specialized. There are 4 main ways in which it can be carried out.
1. Bronchoscopy
2. Needle-Biopsy St Vincent’S Hospital Harrison
3. Open-Biopsy
4. Video Assisted Thorascopic Surgery (VATS)
In the first case, a slim and slender device called the bronchoscope is used. The instrument in inserted into the air-passage so that the canal can be cleared of secretions or coagulation. Further, like the normal procedure, the tissues may be collected for examination. This is called Bronchoscope-biopsy or Bronchoscopy.
As the name suggests, Needle-Biopsy makes use of a long needle to create an incision on the chest wall. The patient is kept on local anesthesia and the physician collects the lung-tissue for examination. The procedure is followed by an x-ray to check for possible complications.
Open-biopsy is carried out in the operation theatre where the surgeon operates upon the affected area. The surgery is called Thoractomy. Blood and fluid loss is checked by chest tubes inserted in the body. This procedure is also followed-up by x-ray scans to check for complications.
VATS on the other hand, removes a small sample of the tissue with the help of a device called the Thorascope. A Thrascope has a video camera installed, which helps create images on the screen to assist surgery. It is a thin, hollow, tube-like device which is inserted into the body after incisions are made by the surgeon.
Lung Biopsy is hence an advanced but useful technology which is helping treat, detect and understand various abnormal bronchial conditions.