Lung needle biopsy experience?

Susan M(PA) · 02-06-2007, 07:39 PM

I have a solitary lung nodule close to the chest wall which pulmonologist says is in a good location for needle biopsy. The nodule is 1cm., "hot" on the PET, although it has not changed size for six months on CT's. Tumor markers are low at 13. He says it is "concerning". It is in the same location of my former open biopsy. It also may be related to surgery, or an inflammatory process such as infection.

I have always had several small lung nodules in both upper lobes, so it's not the usual for me.
I've had lung mets twice since diagnosis in March 2002. Cleared lungs both times. I've been without chemo or Herceptin since Oct 2005. I have heart issues so had to drop the Herceptin until necessary.

I realize an open surgical biopsy is best for pathology, but having a bad experience with the last open lung biopsy due to asthma and need of a chest tube, I refuse to go that route again. I have an uncomfortable large rigid area 24 hours a day. Apparently muscle/ tendon damage. One of those unfortunate complications of a risky procedure I'm told.

If you've had a lung needle biopsy, please post your experience.

Susan M(PA)

Jade · 02-13-2007, 02:21 AM

Just bringing your post forward...

Adriana Mangus · 02-13-2007, 06:06 PM

Dear Susan: I had the needle biopsy done in 2003 due recurrence to rt lung, am sorry to tell you that I did not have a good experience with this procedure. I did not see the needle, the doctor's nurse will ask you to lay down on your stomach, ( on purpose), so you don't see it, then a pillow is placed under your tummy, and towels are also place in front of you (near your face as you're facing foward).

You are going to hear a series of clicks, clicks, that's the needle going into your lung -thru your ribs- to collect the cells which are spread on a glass and immediately taken to the lab to be biopsed. I had a lot of blood coming out of my mouth, (no food 24 hours prior),. I wanted to have a nice dinner afterwards, but was unable due to this. It's not painful at all, for me it was just too traumatic to have seen so much blood. A few days after you will need to have chest x-ray to check whether the lung has collapsed (mine did), nothing you can do about it, just drink a lot of water, to keep you hydrated and to help the lung to go "back" to its former position. I wish you only the best...

aaklwalker · 02-14-2007, 06:33 PM

I had a lung needle biopsy today. It was CT guided and I had no problems at all. The doctor told me to expect to cough up blood, but there was none. They went through the back and I have a little achyness there. They xrayed several timesto make sure lung was inflated. Will have results by Friday. Good luck to you whatever choice you make.