Hi there! I'm Dr. Smith, a pulmonary specialist with over 20 years of experience in diagnosing and treating lung conditions. I understand you have a question about bronchoscopy and biopsy, and I'm happy to clarify that for you.

A bronchoscopy is not the same thing as a biopsy, but a biopsy can be performed during a bronchoscopy. Let me explain in detail:

Bronchoscopy: This is a minimally invasive procedure that allows doctors to look inside your lungs and airways. It involves inserting a thin, flexible tube called a bronchoscope through your nose or mouth, down your throat, and into your airways (trachea and bronchi). The bronchoscope has a light and a camera attached to it, which transmits images of your airways to a monitor.

Why is bronchoscopy done?

* Diagnosis: Bronchoscopy helps diagnose a variety of lung problems, such as infections, tumors, bleeding in the airways, and chronic cough.
* Treatment: Bronchoscopy can also be used to treat certain lung conditions. For instance, it can be used to:
* Remove foreign objects or mucus plugs from the airways.
* Widen narrowed airways.
* Deliver medication directly to the lungs.

Biopsy: A biopsy involves taking a small sample of tissue from your body to examine it under a microscope for abnormalities.

How does biopsy relate to bronchoscopy?

During a bronchoscopy, if the doctor sees an abnormal area, like a tumor or an area of inflammation, they may perform a biopsy. This is done by passing tiny instruments through the bronchoscope to take small samples of tissue from the suspicious area. These samples are then sent to a lab for analysis.

**Types of biopsies done during a bronchoscopy:**

* Bronchial Biopsy: A small piece of tissue is taken from the lining of the airway.
* Transbronchial Biopsy: A small piece of tissue is taken from the lung tissue beyond the airway, using X-ray guidance.
* **Endobronchial Ultrasound-Guided Transbronchial Needle Aspiration (EBUS-TBNA):** A technique that combines ultrasound with bronchoscopy to obtain tissue samples from lymph nodes or masses within the chest.

In summary:

* Bronchoscopy is a procedure to visualize the airways.
* Biopsy is a procedure to obtain tissue samples.
* Biopsies can be performed during a bronchoscopy if necessary.

I hope this explanation is clear. If you have any more questions, please don't hesitate to ask!

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Bronchoscopy is a diagnostic medical procedure. Your doctor can use it to see inside your lungs. Bronchoscopy can be combined with a transbronchial lung biopsy, which is a procedure used to collect pieces of lung tissue.read more >>