Lung Biopsy: How It Feels

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How It Feels

Bronchoscope biopsy

The local anesthetic used in your mouth or nose generally tastes bitter and may make you choke. Your mouth may feel very dry for several hours after the biopsy. You may also have a sore throat and some hoarseness for a few hours. Sucking on throat lozenges or gargling with warm salt water may help your sore throat.

You may have a mild fever shortly after the biopsy, which usually goes away within 24 hours. If it does not, call your doctor.

Needle biopsy

When you are given the shot to numb your skin at the needle biopsy site, you will feel a sharp stinging or burning sensation that lasts a few seconds. When the needle is inserted into the chest, you will again feel a sharp pain for a few seconds. The radiologist may ask you to hold your breath for a few seconds at different times during the biopsy.

Open biopsy

The sedative will make you feel sleepy and relaxed. You will be asleep during the biopsy because of the general anesthetic.

After the biopsy, you may feel tired for 1 or 2 days or have general muscle aches. You may also have a mild sore throat from the tube that was placed in your throat to help you breathe. Sucking on throat lozenges or gargling with warm salt water may help your sore throat.

You may feel some discomfort at the biopsy site when you take a deep breath. The incision may itch as it is healing. Your doctor will give you pain medication.

A bandage will be placed over the biopsy site. You may be advised to keep the biopsy site covered and dry for 48 hours. You may have a small amount of bleeding from the biopsy site. Ask your doctor how much bleeding to expect.

Last updated:	March 21, 2007
Author:	Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS
Reviewed By:	Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine, Robert L. Cowie, MB, FCP(SA), MD, MSc, MFOM - Pulmonology
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer