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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 Spain 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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Historic Spain is home to the third-highest number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, after Italy and China. Part of the Iberian Peninsula, along with Portugal, Spain also shares borders with France and the less well-known, Andorra. The country itself is made up of several regions, both on the mainland and out at sea, with the Canary Islands closer to Morocco than Spain - they are located in the Atlantic Ocean, whilst the Balearic Islands are a little closer to home, in the Mediterranean Sea. On the mainland there is Central Spain, home to the capital, Madrid, Catalonia in the East, home to the second city, Barcelona, and the Basque Country in the North, to name but a few.
Spain sees an estimated 100,000 medical tourists each year, many of which travel for Lung Biopsy procedures. The biggest target market is from the UK, accounting for one in four of Spain's 60m annual tourists. An excellent healthcare system combined with warm temperatures and competitive prices means that Spain is now one of the more popular destinations in Europe for medical tourism. The most popular procedures tend to be cosmetic surgery, fertility treatments, bariatric surgery, cardiac surgery, orthopedics, urology, and bone marrow transplants.
Spain has diverse landscapes, dynamic cities, influential art, and delightful food.
Spain has wonderful weather all year-round. Summer starts from June to August and tends to be nice. Tourists can expect warm and sunny weather. The temperature can get as high as 30 °C, sometimes even higher. Summer is the peak season for tourism so prices can increase by up to 50%.
Spring (April to May) and Autumn (September to October) are great times to visit. The weather is mild and perfect to do outdoor activities, although sometimes it can be unpredictable. The country is not as crowded as during summertime.
Winter in Spain is cold but the temperature does not drop too low. The average temperature is between 4 °C to 10 °C. Northern Spain and the mountainous areas sometimes experience snowfall and rain showers.
The main international airport in Spain is Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas and Barcelona El Prat Airport. Madrid-Barajas is the largest airport in the country. It operates domestic and international flights. The airport connects Madrid with almost every country in the world. It serves several budget airlines such as Iberia Express, Ryanair, and EasyJet. It is the hub for Air Europa and Iberia.
Barcelona El Prat Airport also serves domestic and international connections with almost every country globally. Budget airlines such as Ryanair and WestJet operate flights from this airport. It is the hub for Level and Vueling.
To get to the city center, both airports provide taxis, buses, and metro. Taxis are the most convenient transportation mode but usually more expensive. Tourists who travel to Madrid are advised to buy the Madrid Tourist Travel Pass which can be used on any Metro, bus, or suburban train for just 5 EUR.
Spain has a well-designed public transportation network. Tourists can get around Spain by train. There are high-speed (AVE) and regular service trains (Talgo) for long-distance or medium distance travel, the fares are based on a 1st and 2nd class system. For short destinations, tourists can use local trains. It offers one class of seats and makes a lot of stops. 60-year-old and older travelers can get a discount between 25 to 40 percent for train tickets. Children under the age of 13 also qualified for discounts. Buses are another excellent option. Intercity buses are affordable, clean, and safe.
Renting a car gives more flexibility for tourists. International car rental agencies are widely available in the country. The highway system is easy for foreigners to follow. Parking can be quite hard in some cities and historic towns because it can get really crowded.
Taxis have a reasonable price. Spanish taxi drivers are usually trustworthy and don’t cheat. The taxi can be hailed on the street or from a taxi stand (parade de taxi). Available taxis have green lights or signs that say “libre” on them. Taxis run on meters, but if you’re traveling a long distance, you will have to agree on the fare in advance.
Citizens of the European Union, Norway, Liechtenstein, Iceland, and Switzerland can travel to Spain with their identity cards only. Citizens of Australia, Canada, Israel, Japan, the United States, and New Zealand are granted visa-free entry and can stay for up to 90 days. Other countries can check with their nearest Spanish embassy or consulate. Spain is a member of the Schengen Convention. If you hold a Schengen visa, you cannot extend it.