Lung Biopsy

Biopsy, Lung

Results

A lung biopsy removes a small piece of lung tissue which can be looked at under a microscope.

Lung biopsy results are usually available in 2 to 4 working days. It may take several weeks to get results from tissue samples that are being tested for certain infections, such as tuberculosis.

Lung biopsy

Normal:	The lung tissue is normal under a microscope. No signs of infection, inflammation, or cancer are present.
Abnormal:	Abnormal cells and tissue in the lung may be due to active infection, certain lung diseases, or several different types of cancer. If lung cancer is present, results of the biopsy can determine treatment options (surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy).

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Author:	Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS	Last Updated: March 21, 2007
Medical Review:	Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine Robert L. Cowie, MB, FCP(SA), MD, MSc, MFOM - Pulmonology
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