When is needle biopsy used in mesothelioma, and how is it performed?
Needle biopsy is one of two definitive ways to confirm a diagnosis of mesothelioma. The procedure is performed, using local anesthesia, to obtain tissue samples for pathologic examination. It is used instead of video assisted thoracoscopy when the patient has contraindications to, or cannot tolerate the general anesthesia needed for thoracoscopy.
In pleural needle biopsy, a large bore needle is inserted into the chest cavity in order to take sample tissue from the pleura, or lining of the lungs. Often, radiographic guidance, such as computerized tomography, assists in assuring proper placement of the needle. Tissue is aspirated into the needle, which is then removed. The tissue is sent to the pathology lab for microscopic examination. Needle biopsy has advantages in that it takes little time, and does not require general anesthesia, but it does not allow the surgeon to view the biopsy area, an advantage in video assisted thoracoscopy.