Can anyone get a needle biopsy of lung nodules?

Can anyone get a needle biopsy of lung nodules?

Kenneth W. Chin (M.D., F.A.C.R.) gives expert video advice on: What are the risks of a needle biopsy of lung nodules?; How is a needle biopsy of lung nodules performed?; What are the benefits of a needle biopsy of lung nodules? and more...

It may not be possible to safely perform lung biopsies on everyone. Some patients have lung nodules that are too small to be safely biopsied. Others may have emphysema, and if the emphysema is too extensive and surrounds the area of abnormality, then it may be extremely difficult to get into and get a piece of that abnormal lung without creating a large pnuemothorax. If there are such issues these will be discussed with you by your radiologist or treating physician.