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6. Diagnosing Lung Nodules: Needle Biopsy

During a needle biopsy, a thin hollow needle is inserted into the nodule while the surgeon watches the lungs via a CT scan. A sample of tissue is extracted and inspected under a microscope. This procedure is also called a closed, transthoracic, or percutaneous biopsy. Closed biopsies are less invasive than open biopsies, and require less recovery time; they are often out-patient procedures.

10 Steps for Identifying and Treating Pulmonary Nodules mcbrugg / Getty Images

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