A biopsy is a medical test involving the removal of cells or tissues for examination. It is the removal of tissue from a living subject to determine the presence or extent of a disease. The tissue is generally examined under a microscope by a pathologist, and can also be analyzed chemically. When an entire lump or suspicious area is removed, the procedure is called an excisional biopsy. When only a sample of tissue is removed with preservation of the histological architecture of the tissue’s cells, the procedure is called an incisional biopsy or core biopsy. When a sample of tissue or fluid is removed with a needle in such a way that cells are removed without preserving the histological architecture of the tissue cells, the procedure is called a needle aspiration biospy.
A Radiologist can perform minimally invasive core biopsies or needle aspiration biopsies using imaging guidance with CT or ultrasound. The Radiologist uses the imaging guidance to direct the biopsy needle through the skin into the abnormal area in your body. The biopsy needle is then used to remove strips of tissue in the case of a core biopsy or cells from the area in the case of a needle aspiration biopsy. The doctor performing the biopsy will be able to discuss the type of biopsy needed with you before your biopsy. Because the risks involved with biopsy are different depending upon where the abnormality is in your body the doctor performing your biopsy will discuss your individual risks with you prior to performing the biopsy.
About Liver Biopsies
A liver biopsy is a procedure in which an interventional radiologist will remove a very small sample of tissue from the liver in order for a pathologist to examine it for abnormalities. Needle biopsies generally are considered very safe and effective. There are small risks of bleeding and infection any time a needle is passed through the skin. The radiologist will discuss any possible complications with you and will answer your questions before your procedure.
What to Expect
After locating a suitable area with ultrasound, the radiologist will clean the skin and will inject a local anesthetic to numb the area. You may get medicines through an IV to help you relax. After the local anesthetic has taken effect, the doctor will use a special needle to remove a small sample of tissue. You may experience a feeling of pressure when the doctor inserts the biopsy needle and you may feel some pressure pressure in the right shoulder, as well. After the biopsy is done, your doctor might ask you to roll over onto your right side and lie still for up to two hours. Restricting your activity is necessary to make sure that bleeding or other problems do not occur as a result of getting up too soon. If you have been sedated, someone must drive you home. Specific instructions will be given to you after your biopsy. Any procedure that involves piercing the skin introduces risk of infection or bleeding. We perform all of these procedures with sterile techniques to reduce the chance of an infection. If after this procedure your physician determines that additional tissue is needed for a thorough analysis, you may have to undergo a repeat image guided biopsy or a surgical biopsy.
Patient Preparation
You should not have a liver biopsy performed if you have used aspirin or another blood-thinning medicine during the week before your procedure. If you are being sedated, you must not eat or drink anything after midnight the day before your biopsy. We will give you specific instructions when your procedure is scheduled.
About Thyroid Biopsies
A thyroid biopsy is a procedure in which a sample of tissue is removed from suspicious areas in the thyroid gland and analyzed by a pathologist to determine whether or not cancer is present. Thyroid biopsies are done using ultrasound guidance with a small needle.
What to Expect
During the procedure, you will lie on your back on a padded table and once you are in position, the skin of your neck will be cleaned and numbed. Using an ultrasound machine for guidance your Radiologist will pass a tiny, thin, hollow needle into the suspicious area and withdraw a sample of tissue. Once a satisfactory sample has been obtained, a band aid will be placed over the biopsy site. You may feel a little soreness and will typically have some minor bruising at the biopsy site. Biopsies of the thyroid gland are considered low risk procedures. However, any procedure that involves piercing the skin introduces risk of infection or bleeding. Thyroid biopsies are performed with sterile techniques to reduce the chance of an infection. The radiologist will discuss any possible complications with you and will answer your questions before starting your procedure. Occasionally, your physician may determine that additional tissue is needed for a thorough analysis, you may have to undergo a repeat ultrasound guided biopsy or a surgical biopsy to obtain the additional tissue.
Patient Preparation
Very little preparation is required for this procedure. You should eat your normal meals before arriving for the procedure. We will ask you, however, to discontinue taking aspirin and other blood-thinning medications for about five days preceding your biopsy. Any such restrictions will be discussed with you when we schedule your procedure.
