In a very small percentage of needle biopsies, a collapsed lung or pneumothorax occurs. Usually, chest x-rays will be done. However, if the pneumothorax is large, a chest tube may need to be inserted to expand (decompress) the lung.

In rare cases, pneumothorax can be life threatening if air escapes from the lung, gets trapped in the chest, and presses on (compresses) the lungs and heart.

Whenever a biopsy is done, there is a risk of excess bleeding (hemorrhage). Some bleeding is common, and a health care provider will monitor the amount of bleeding. Rarely, major and life-threatening bleeding may occur.

A needle biopsy should NOT be performed if other tests show that you have:

• Blood coagulation disorder of any type
• Bullae (enlarged alveoli that occur with emphysema)
• Cor pulmonale
• Cysts
• Pulmonary hypertension
• Severe hypoxia

Signs of a collapsed lung include:

• Blueness of the skin
• Rapid heart rate (rapid pulse)
• Shortness of breath

If any of these occur, report them to your health care provider immediately.