Indications Transthoracic needle biopsy is done to evaluate Peripheral lung nodules or masses Hilar, mediastinal, and pleural abnormalities Undiagnosed infiltrates or pneumonias when bronchoscopy is contraindicated or nondiagnostic When done with the use of computed tomography (CT) guidance and with a skilled cytopathologist in attendance, transthoracic needle biopsy confirms the diagnosis of cancer with > 95% accuracy.