Lung Biopsy

Also known as a transbronchial biopsy, a lung biopsy is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a bronchoscope to collect tissue samples from the lungs.

Our team at North Jersey Pulmonary Associates examines these samples in order to determine whether cancer is present and if so, how far it has spread.

Procedure:

You will first be given IV sedation and a numbing agent in the throat to prevent gagging.

Once numb, the bronchoscope is inserted into the nose or mouth and fed down to the airways.

The doctor is then guided by imaging to get the bronchoscope to the right place.

The bronchoscope contains a tiny light and camera for us to see inside the lung. It also has small forceps that are employed to collect tissue samples.

The bronchoscope is then removed. The samples that have been collected are sent for pathologic and microscopic evaluation.

Recovery:

Patients remain in observation and recovery for a few hours while the numbing agent wears off to ensure that the gag reflex goes back to normal. You may experience a scratchy throat or some hoarseness for a few days.

Learn more here or call us at (973) 321-1670 for more information.