Transthoracic Needle Biopsy of Lung Nodules

requires the skills of the radiologist to obtain the sample and the skills of a pathologist to interpret the sample provided. The performance of the procedure starts with careful consideration of the indications and contraindications, followed by choice of image guidance, technical considerations in performance of the procedure, risk reduction techniques and fi nal ly, interpretation of the specimen along with con sid er ations for appropriate follow up. In this chapter we will discuss each of the above considerations in the chain of events that are involved in the per for mance of this procedure. As this chapter focuses on biopsy of pulmonary nodules we will not discuss the related topics of mediastinal or hilar biopsy.