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A lung biopsy is a procedure that involves removing a very small sample of lung tissue to be examined under a microscope for signs of disease. Your doctor may ask you to have a lung biopsy if something out of the ordinary is spotted on your chest X-ray or CT scan. The goal of this procedure is to create an accurate diagnosis.
A lung biopsy can be used to:
Determine whether a lung muss is benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous)
Stage lung cancer
Identify the cause of inflammation in the lung
Monitor the progression of lung disease
Investigate the cause of unexplained fluid collection
Diagnose a lung infection.
There may be other reasons for your doctor to recommend a lung biopsy.
There are several types of lung biopsy. The type of biopsy performed depends on various factors, such as the type of lung problem, the location of the lesion, and your overall health.
Lung Needle Biopsy (Transthoracic Biopsy)
Lung needle biopsy is typically performed when abnormal tissue has developed near the chest wall. This type of lung biopsy uses a needle that is guided through the chest wall into the suspect area with fluoroscopy (a special type of X-Ray) or computed tomography (CT or CAT scan) to take a small tissue sample from the outer area of the lungs. The needle is usually placed through your chest between two ribs.
During a lung needle biopsy, you will be given a local anesthetic. This means that you will be awake but the affected area will be numbed. A sedative may also be given to help you relax.
Transbronchial Biopsy (Bronchoscopy)
Transbronchial biopsy uses a flexible tube that has a close-focusing telescope on the end for viewing called a fiberoptic bronchoscope. The tube is inserted into your lungs through the nose or mouth. Your doctor may take an X-ray in order to figure out the right spot to do the biopsy.
Numbing medication will be sprayed to the affected area, so you will be awake throughout the procedure. However, you may be given medication through an IV to help you relax. This type of biopsy is done to collect a sample of your lung tissue that is close to the airway.
Thoracoscopic Biopsy (Thoracoscopy)
During this type of lung biopsy, you will be given general anesthesia, your doctor will create three small incisions on your chest between the ribs. Then, a thin, lighted tube with a camera on its end (called an endoscope) is inserted through the incision. Various types of biopsy tools can be inserted through the endoscope to take lung tissue for examination.
Also known as video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS), this type of lung biopsy checks problems on the outside of your lungs.
Open Lung Biopsy (Limited Thoracotomy)
Open lung biopsy is usually suggested when other methods cannot get cell samples. During this procedure, you will be given a general anesthetic. Your doctor then creates an incision in the skin on your chest and a piece of lung tissue is removed surgically.
If a local anesthetic is used, you should be able to leave the hospital on the same day. For general anesthetic, you may need to stay in the hospital overnight. Since you need to attend a follow-up appointment to discuss the results of the biopsy, it is advisable that you stay in Lithuania for about a week.
You will need to take it easy and rest as much as possible for a day or two after lung biopsy. It is important that you avoid strenuous activity for a week. If you have an open biopsy, the recovery time until you can resume your activity may take longer.
Your chest may feel sore for several days and you may need some pain medication to manage your discomfort. Make sure that you only take pain medication that your doctor prescribes since some pain medications, such as aspirin and NSAIDs, increase your risk of bleeding. If you have a wound from the lung biopsy, always follow your doctor’s instructions to clean it.
Lung biopsy is a safe procedure with a high success and accuracy rates. It is reported that percutaneous transthoracic lung needle biopsy has a success rate of 88 to 97%. However, the procedure does carry some risk. These include bleeding, coughing up blood, infection, and collapsed lung.
Lung biopsy is the only procedure that can provide a definite diagnosis of lung cancer. In some cases, your doctor may suggest imaging tests, such as an X-ray or a CT scan. However, even after these tests, your doctor may still ask you to undergo a lung biopsy.
Before you undergo lung biopsy, you and your doctor may not know for sure what is causing your symptoms. Your doctor may also find abnormalities in your chest that they cannot identify. After the procedure, your doctor will be able to make an accurate diagnosis. The results of the biopsy will help you and your doctor create a management or treatment plan for your condition.
Whilst the information presented here has been accurately sourced and verified by a medical professional for its accuracy, it is still advised to consult with your doctor before pursuing a medical treatment at one of the listed medical providers
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Lithuania is an Eastern European country and is the largest and most populous of the three Baltic States. The country has a population of 3 million people, capital and largest city is Vilnius. There are only 3 Hospitals in Lithuania that are JCI accredited and all 3 can be found at the capital.
Lithuania welcomes an ever-increasing number of medical tourists each year, many of which travel for Lung Biopsy procedures. The biggest attraction of Lithuania has to be the cost. Once you are there it is very affordable to eat, drink and get around and the prices from private clinics for medical treatment are extremely competitive. Come from within Europe on a low-cost airline and you will probably pay for your treatment and your holiday for less than your procedure would have cost at home.
Although Lithuania is one of the lesser known countries of Europe, the country is actually a beautiful destination. Lithuania is home to incredible castles, lakes, forests, and landscapes.
Lithuania is at its best in summer when the days are warm and the Baltic Sea is swimmable. The country is swarming with tourists during this season. Summer starts from June until August; the average temperature is around 20 °C during the day and 14 °C during the night.
Spring arrives late, usually starts in April and finishes in May. Spring makes the country look even more beautiful with blossoming flowers and cherry trees. The temperature is usually cool.
Autumn has many sunny days and adds more color to the country. Autumn starts in September and lasts for two months. The nights in autumn are chilly, and the temperature usually drops to 0.1 °C in late November.
Winter is especially cold with an average temperature of around -6.6 to -2.8 °C. Some winters can be even colder with the average temperature dropping as low as -20 °C.
Vilnius International Airport is the largest airport in Lithuania. It connects the country with European cities. The airport is the hub for air Baltic and Get Jet Airlines. Budget airlines such as Ryanair and Wizz Air also operate flights from this airport. Other international airports are Kaunas International Airport, Palanga International Airport, and Šiauliai International Airport. The airports in Lithuania do not serve domestic flights.
Vilnius airport taxis are available and can be found in front of the arrivals terminal. The taxis are comfortable and affordable. All taxis accept payment by cash or credit card, a journey to the city center should cost around 10 EUR to 18 EUR. The city bus is a more cost-effective option to travel to Vilnius. A single ticket costs 1 EUR and can be purchased on the bus.
Getting around in Lithuania by car is the best way if you wish to visit many destinations. Lithuanian roads are among the best in Eastern Europe. The country has four-lane highways connecting Vilnius, Kaunas, Klaipeda, Panevėžys, and Palanga.
Intercity buses dominate the system of Lithuanian public transportation. Buses link all major cities and smaller towns. Buses between big cities are very frequent and usually leave every 15 minutes. Bus tickets can be purchased in the bus station or directly from the bus driver. Trains in Lithuania are good value but rather slow. Riding a bicycle is a nice way to get around inside the cities. Most roads are kept in good condition. Bike hire is available across all major cities and several small villages.
Citizens of the European Union, the United States, Canada, Australia, and Britain are granted visa-free entry to Lithuania and may stay for up to 90 days. Other foreign nationals must apply and obtain a visa before entering Lithuania. It is advisable to contact the local embassy to check visa requirements for Lithuania.
Lithuania is part of the Schengen Area, those who already have a Schengen visa do not have to apply for a new visa to enter Lithuania. A passport valid for at least three months beyond the length of stay is required by all visitors.