PLEURAL BIOPSY

THORACOSCOPIC BIOPSY – Like endoscopy, a flexible tube is inserted through the mouth and into the pleural space, where the doctor can see and take a piece of the tissue for further observation.

NEEDLE BIOPSY – This method uses the help of either an X-ray or a CT scan to guide the injection of the needle directly into the pleural membrane. 

OPEN BIOPSY – In a case where a sample from needle biopsy is too small to get a diagnosis, an incision is made in the skin to get access to the lung. A piece of the pleura will then be removed for further observation.