What is a lung biopsy?

A lung biopsy is a procedure in which a piece of the lung tissue is removed to be examined under a microscope, WebMD explains. Biopsy procedures include bronchoscopic, needle and open. Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery is also a biopsy procedure.

In a bronchoscopic biopsy, the physician inserts a lighted instrument called a bronchoscope into the lung via the nose or mouth to remove the tissue, according to WebMD. In a needle biopsy, the physician removes the tissue by inserting a needle through the chest wall. An open biopsy involves a surgical incision between the ribs. In video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery, a scope extracts the tissue through a small incision in the chest.