What is a needle biopsy and how does the procedure work?

A needle biopsy is a test in which a doctor passes a specially designed needle through your skin to obtain a sample of tissue that needs to be examined. One reason your doctor may have decided to perform a needle biopsy is because it is less invasive and generally eliminates the need for you to have surgery to obtain the tissue sample.

Your doctor may use some type of X-ray or image guided technique, which will allow him or her to locate the area that needs to be tested. Your doctor may also use image guidence during the procedure to make sure the needle is properly placed and the specimen is being taken from the area that is potentially diseased.

What are the reasons for undergoing the procedure?

A needle biopsy is used to retrieve a sample of tissue that is used to determine if a tumor is cancerous or to find out the cause of an infection or inflammation.

What is the difference between a fine needle aspiration (FNA) and a core needle biopsy?

In a fine needle aspiration biopsy, the tissue or cells are removed through a very thin needle using suction. To reduce the risk of tissue injury, doctors often use fine needle aspiration biopsies when the needle has to pass through vital organs or a blood vessel.

There are many different types of needles that are used for fine needle aspiration biopsies. One type of needle is called the SureCut Biopsy Needle. These needles can be used to biopsy many different soft tissues of the body, including the liver, kidney, prostate, breast, thyroid, pancreas, spleen and lung. The SureCut Needle comes in many different sizes, which will help your doctor to get an appropriate amount of tissue. Your doctor will decide which needle is right for your procedure.

Another type of biopsy is called a core needle biopsy. In a core needle biopsy a small, hollow needle is used to take a sample of tissue. Core needle biopsies help the doctor to get a larger tissue sample. Core needle biopsies are often performed using automated needles, like the ONECUT Biopsy System.

What takes place during the fine needle aspiration?

The area where the needle will be inserted will be cleaned and anesthetised. Your doctor will insert the needle so the tip is moved toward the area that is being biopsied. Xrays or other imaging methods will be used to make sure that the needle is in the proper place. The doctor will then move the needle around a little bit to make sure he or she is getting a good specimen. The sample is then sent to the lab for examination.

What takes place during the core needle biopsy?

The area where the needle will be inserted will be cleaned and anesthetised. Your doctor may then nick the skin with a scalpel. This reduces the amount of resistance the needle will encounter going into the skin. Your doctor may use a special needle, called an introducer needle, to make sure the biopsy is being taken at the proper place. Your doctor will then put the ONECUT Biopsy System in place. He or she will then press a button on the device and a sample is taken. This product is designed to allow your doctor to obtain a biopsy with less discomfort to you. The sample is then sent to the lab for examination.

Will I go home the same day as the treatment?

You will generally be monitored after the biopsy for any complications, such as bleeding.

Will I have any discomfort after the procedure?

You may experience some discomfort after the procedure. Talk to your doctor about any special instructions regarding the care or monitoring of the biopsy area.