Pulmonary
- Critical Care Associates
of East Texas
Jeffrey M.
Shea, M.D., F.C.C.P.
Venkatesh Donty, M.D.
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Jeffrey M.
Shea, M.D., F.C.C.P. |
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To be able to evaluate lung cancers and abnormalities in the lung not obtainable by other less invasive means. Technique CT scan or Fluoroscopy can be used to obtain biopsies of a lung mass. The CT scan is useful for defining the cross-sectional appearance of the lesion, its density, and it’s relationship to other structures. It is also helpful in establishing the presence or absence of a disease process in cases in which standard chest x-rays do not show clearly. The size and shape of the lesion, the sharpness of its margins, the presence of cavities and calcification. Fluoroscopy is related to standard chest x-rays as the motion picture is related to still pictures. It provides a picture of the thorax and its contents during inspiration and expiration and throughout the cardiac cycle. Lesions can be better defined in terms of location and movement during breathing and swallowing. Depending on the location of the mass the area of skin is prepped for a sterile procedure, the skin is anesthetized (numbed). With the patient lying down a needle is inserted through the skin and by either CT or Fluoro the needle is guided into the mass and can either be aspirated or a tissue sample taken. This sample is then given to the pathologist for evaluation, and if an infection is suspected, sent for cultures as well. Risk This consists primarily of causing a pneumothorax (air around the lung). As long as the patient does not have any symptoms such as shortness of breath or chest pain, the patient can be monitored. It either of the symptoms occur or, if, on follow-up x-rays shows the air to be enlarging, a chest tube will be placed to evacuate the air. Bleeding sometimes occurs but is usually mild and requires no intervention. This may consist of bleeding at the site of the biopsy on the skin, in the lung, or sometimes as coughing up blood. |
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