BIOPSY TECHNICS IN THE DIAGNOSIS OF INTRATHORACIC DISEASE

Abstract

Prescalene fat pad biopsy will yield positive results in sarcoidosis and metastatic neoplasm. Lung biopsy is rewarding in instance of diffuse pulmonary disease undiagnosed by other methods. Pleural biopsy will yield positive results in tuberculous pleurisy with effusion, neoplastic invasion of pleura and fungous pleurisy with effusion. Localized pulmonary or mediastinal disease not present and stabile for over 5 years should be excised.