About Lung Biopsy
Key Highlights
-
Provides a definitive tissue diagnosis for accurate disease identification.Enables differentiation between benign and malignant (cancerous) lung lesions.Guides personalized and targeted treatment plans, including specific cancer therapies.Often performed using minimally invasive techniques, reducing recovery time.Can be done under image guidance (CT or ultrasound) for precise sampling.Essential for diagnosing complex interstitial and infectious lung diseases./ul
Who is this surgery for?
- Evaluation of a solitary pulmonary nodule or mass detected on imaging.
- Suspected lung cancer to determine the type and stage.
- Diagnosis of unexplained lung infections that do not respond to standard treatment.
- Evaluation of interstitial lung disease (ILD) or pulmonary fibrosis.
- Investigation of unexplained lung inflammation or sarcoidosis.
- Assessment of lung involvement in systemic diseases.
- To obtain a sample for culture in cases of suspected rare infections.
How to prepare
- Complete medical history review and physical examination by the pulmonologist.
- Blood tests to check clotting function and overall health.
- Review and temporary cessation of blood-thinning medications (e.g., aspirin, warfarin) as advised.
- Fasting for 6-12 hours before the procedure, depending on the type of sedation or anesthesia.
- Discussion of allergies, especially to anesthesia, latex, or contrast dye.
- Arranging for someone to drive the patient home after the procedure.
- Informed consent process detailing the procedure, benefits, and risks.
Risks & possible complications
- Pneumothorax (collapsed lung) – air leakage into the chest cavity.
- Bleeding (hemorrhage) at the biopsy site or coughing up blood (hemoptysis).
- Infection at the biopsy site or in the lung.
- Reaction to anesthesia or sedation.
- Air embolism (very rare, entry of air into a blood vessel).
- Pain or discomfort at the needle insertion or biopsy site.
- Failure to obtain adequate tissue for diagnosis, requiring a repeat procedure.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Immediate monitoring for 2-4 hours in a recovery area for vital signs and potential complications.
- A chest X-ray is often taken post-procedure to check for pneumothorax.
- Mild pain or soreness at the biopsy site is common and managed with prescribed pain relief.
- Avoid strenuous activity, heavy lifting, and vigorous coughing for 24-48 hours.
- Contact the doctor immediately for severe chest pain, shortness of breath, fever, or significant bleeding.
- Follow-up appointment to discuss the biopsy pathology results, usually within 5-7 days.
- Resume normal activities gradually as comfort allows, typically within a few days.
-
Typical hospital stay: 0-1 days (Often outpatient; may require overnight observation for certain types)
-
Expected recovery time: 1-2 weeks for full recovery from discomfort and to resume all normal activities
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering lung biopsy in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for lung biopsy in India include Kamineni Hospital, King Koti, Manipal Hospital Varthur Road, Artemis Hospital Gurgaon, known for experienced specialists and advanced surgical infrastructure.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform lung biopsy. MediFyr helps you compare pulmonologists and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for lung biopsy compare across other countries where we have data.
| Country | Estimated cost range | Typical stay | Recovery time | View details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | INR 15 Thousand – 80 Thousand | 0-1 days (Often outpatient; may require overnight observation for certain types) | ~ 1-2 weeks for full recovery from discomfort and to resume all normal activities | Know More |
| Turkey | TRY 52.5 Thousand – 280 Thousand | 0-1 days (Often outpatient; may require overnight observation for certain types) | ~ 1-2 weeks for full recovery from discomfort and to resume all normal activities | Know More |
Top hospitals for Lung Biopsy in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated pulmonology teams and experience managing patients undergoing lung biopsy.
Pari Chopra, a 58-year-old former school...
Pari Chopra, a 58-year-old former school librarian and non-smoker, had been experiencing a persistent dry cough and unexplained fatigue for three months. A routine chest X-ray revealed a small, hazy nodule in her right lung. Despite a course of antibiotics, a follow-up CT scan showed the nodule had slightly grown. Her pulmonologist, Dr. Mehta, recommended a CT-guided needle lung biopsy to obtain a definitive diagnosis, explaining it was the safest way to rule out serious conditions like cancer. Pari was terrified, having lost her sister to lung cancer a decade prior. The procedure itself was performed under local anesthesia with mild sedation. She felt pressure and a brief, sharp sensation but the team was reassuring. The biopsy confirmed the nodule was a benign hamartoma. In recovery, Pari had mild chest discomfort and a small pneumothorax (collapsed lung) that resolved on its own within two days. The emotional relief was profound. The weeks of dread and 'what-ifs' dissolved into grateful tears. She shifted from fearing the worst to feeling empowered by the clear answer, allowing her to return to her quiet life and gardening with peace of mind.
Pulmonologists for Lung Biopsy
Explore experienced pulmonologists who regularly perform lung biopsy and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 15 Years Experience
- Pulmonologist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 23 Years Experience
- Pulmonologist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 24 Years Experience
- Pulmonologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 22 Years Experience
- Pulmonologist
Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneshwar
- 20 Years Experience
- Pulmonologist
Artemis Hospital Gurgaon, Gurgaon
- 35 Years Experience
- Pulmonologist
Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Hyderabad
- 33 Years Experience
- Pulmonologist
- 33 Years Experience
- Pulmonologist
Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Hyderabad
- 32 Years Experience
- Pulmonologist
Kamineni Hospital, King Koti, Hyderabad
- 32 Years Experience
- Pulmonologist
Metro Hospital, Sector 11, Noida
- 29 Years Experience
- Pulmonologist
- 26 Years Experience
- Pulmonologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 25 Years Experience
- Pulmonologist
Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Hyderabad
- 15 Years Experience
- Pulmonologist
Kamineni Hospital, Tadigadapa, vijayawada
- 14 Years Experience
- Pulmonologist
Metro Hospital, Sector 12, Noida
- 12 Years Experience
- Pulmonologist
Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Hyderabad
- 8 Years Experience
- Pulmonologist
Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneshwar
- 7 Years Experience
- Pulmonologist
Metro Hospital, Sector 12, Noida
- 6 Years Experience
- Pulmonologist
Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Hyderabad
- 4 Years Experience
- Pulmonologist
Kamineni Hospital, Tadigadapa, vijayawada