In an open pleural biopsy, a small piece of the pleural tissue is removed through a surgical incision in the chest. After the sample is obtained, a chest tube is placed and the incision is closed with stitches. Abnormal results may indicate tuberculosis, abnormal growths, viral, fungal, and parasitic diseases.

Review Date: 12/5/2001 12:00:00 AM Reviewed By:A.D.A.M. Medical Illustration Team

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