What happens during a lung cancer tumor marker test?A health care provider will need to take a small sample of the tumor in a procedure called a biopsy. It may be one of two types of biopsies:Fine needle aspiration biopsy, which uses a very thin needle to remove a sample of  cells or fluidCore needle biopsy, which uses a larger needle to remove a sampleFine needle aspiration and core needle biopsies usually include the following steps:You will lay on your side or sit on an exam table.An x-ray or other imaging device may be used to locate the desired biopsy site. The skin will be marked.A health care provider will clean the biopsy site and inject it with an anesthetic so you won't feel any pain during the procedure.Once the area is numb, the provider will make a small incision (cut) and insert either a fine aspiration needle or core biopsy needle into the lung. Then he or she will remove a sample of tissue from the biopsy site.You may feel a little pressure when the needle enters the lung.Pressure will be applied to the biopsy site until the bleeding stops.Your provider will apply a sterile bandage at the biopsy site.
