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CT-Guided TTNB Biopsy vs. EBUS

Lung Health | Last Active: Apr 8, 2023 | Replies (7)
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@colleenyoung

@bpb, that is a tough decision, especially when concerned about the providers' financial interest. I know that you have read NIH papers about each, but for the sake of other members and a single source, I offer these plain language descriptions of each procedure from the American Lung Association

EBUS (endobronchial ultrasound) bronchoscopy https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-procedures-and-tests/endobronchial-ultrasound-ebus

CT-guided transthoracic needle biopsy (TTNB) https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-procedures-and-tests/ct-scan-guided-lung-biopsy

In my non-medical thought process, might it be best to get an EBUS since the TTNB failed? Might you have an option to go to a major medical facility like Mayo Clinic where the financial interest is not an issue since either procedure would be done at the same facility?

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bpb | @bpb | Aug 17, 2022

Hi Colleen,

Thanks for your thoughtful reply. I am going to go with the EBUS as yes, it will be at a top West Coast teaching hospital. If this one fails, I'll consider another CT-guided TNNB. I also talked with my primary who, honestly, was not very helpful. She couldn't understand my anxieties and questions and made light of my concerns.

The American Lung Association's explanations are good. That was one of the first places I turned to when the nodule was discovered. There is actually a second one but only the one being biopsied showed as "hot" on the PET scan.

This focus on health care with patients as consumers is not helpful to any one in the "hot" seat having to make decisions for herself. I so wish there was a way to have an expert & timely unbiased evaluation that would give insightful advice. Rather it feels like every one wants you to go to their facility & have their specialty's go-to procedure.

Maybe I just am needing to vent a little as a way to relieve the anxiety I'm feeling since these nodules were found in mid-June. It feels like I should have had a diagnosis in this time.

Thanks for listening and for your response.

BPB

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