Needle biopsy of lung

[dunnellon]

I just joined here. I am having a needle biopsy of right upper lung lobe next week. What can I expect during and afterwards?

[Swimdown]

Hi and welcome. I like you had a needle biopsy of my upper right lobe in 2018. Firstly the procedure was explained to me in advance and I was taken into the CT Scan and asked to lie on my front with arms above my head. A scan was taken so that the Doctor could see on screen the location to enter. The area of entry was marked with a pen and I was given a local anaesthetic. I didn't feel any pain during the procedure just slight pressure. You do hear a few clicking sounds as the biopsy is taken. The team in the CT Scan room reassured me and explained each step. I was then taken to the recovery area in a wheelchair and told I may cough up some blood but that was normal. I stayed there and had a welcome cup of tea for about an hour and was checked by the doctor before discharge. I did find lying on my back a little uncomfortable for a couple of days. I hope it goes well and good luck with your treatment.

[dunnellon in reply to Swimdown]

Thanks so much for getting back to me. I hope you're well. It helps a lot to hear patient experiences rather than just 'doctor speak' . Mine didn't explain anything and I was too stunned to ask!

[Swimdown in reply to dunnellon]

Yes I agree and like you I was too stunned and frightened to ask questions but the team who performed the biopsy explained everything clearly on the day.. I'm doing well now after completing my treatment and I am back to doing everything I did before being diagnosed with this cruel disease. I am happy to share my experiences with you on your journey. Take care

[dunnellon in reply to Swimdown]

I can't tell you how much , well, I probably don't have to, hearing from others on this frightening journey means. Strength to all and thanks to all of you willing to share.

[Seaspray298]

I was given an IV and something to relax me. They had me lay on my side as mine was in lower right lobe. The local anesthetic was given and I only felt a bit of pressure. After it was completed, I was in pain and given narcotics through the IV. I stayed in the bed in recovery and then was taken for an x-ray after 1 hour to make sure my lung had not collapsed. Was told that happens and would have to spend the night if so. Thankfully everything was fine. I have had 2 lung biopsies and both were done the same way.

[dunnellon in reply to Seaspray298]

Thnk you so much! Your reply helps me put my big girl pants on!

[Denzie Moderator Volunteer]

My experience was very much like seaspray’s. But that was 9.5 years ago so I don’t recall whether there was pain or not. They did both my biopsies on different days.

[joe_s17050]

hello and welcome to the group..i had mine done 12 years ago..i had stage 1-a lung cancer..a right upper lobectomy..no radiation nor chemo..

anyhow for the lung biopsy..i was sedated just enough so i was slightly responsive so when i was told to take a deep breath i can do so..there was no pain during nor afterwards.

.my experiance as i remember it for the biopsy was very much like seasprays..

I am doing fine now...when i had my lung cancer surgery the protocol was to see me for 5 years starting at once every 6 months then for the last 2 of the 5 years on seeing the dr. once a year...now the new protocol is to get a lung cancer screening every year..so thats what i do..

I will be praying for you..i know the whole ordeal can be uncertain and scary at times...but you need faith and prayer..i will be praying for you..

[dunnellon in reply to joe_s17050]

Thank you for reply and it's so good to hear a positive outcome.

[LoraP]

I just had one two weeks ago. It was not nearly as bad as I thought it would be. You will most likely be given "conscious sedation" you will be awake but I promise you won't be in pain. You wil feel pressure. They will advance the needle a little at a time then do CT scans to make sure they are in the right area. After recovery you will limit your activities for 24 hours. No lifting etc. I had mine at MD Anderson and that was my case.

[dunnellon in reply to LoraP]

Thank you. It really helps to know what to expect.

[lovey100]

I had one...relax is

and it seems scarier then it is. Deep breathes and I was given no assistance with pain because it’s not necessary and it was over before I knew it

[dunnellon in reply to lovey100]

Yes, I had the lung biopsy in June and the procedure went well but not enough tissue was retrieved for a diagnosis. Now I'm facing a bone biopsy.