At Imaging Centre PC, we prioritize your health and well-being by providing comprehensive imaging solutions tailored to your needs. Our Core Biopsy service is a minimally invasive procedure performed by our experienced radiologists to obtain small tissue samples through a needle. This crucial step allows for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment planning. Using CT guidance, we ensure precise needle placement into the lesion, minimizing risks and enhancing your comfort. Unlike traditional open surgical biopsies, core biopsies offer a quicker recovery time and do not require general anesthesia. The process involves the removal of tissue or fluid from the area of concern, which is then examined under a microscope by our skilled pathologists. This definitive test is essential for identifying potential malignancies; while noninvasive screenings can detect suspicious growths, only a biopsy provides a conclusive diagnosis. Core biopsies can be categorized into three types: fine-needle aspiration, core-needle biopsy, and surgical biopsy, with core-needle biopsies being among the most commonly used. In fact, only about 20% of breast biopsies conducted in the U.S. reveal cancerous cells, highlighting the importance of this procedure in ensuring peace of mind.
- Fine-needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy (done on the thyroid and some lymph nodes)
- Core needle biopsy (usually done for masses)
- Vacuum-assisted core biopsy
- Excisional breast biopsy (done by surgeons)
- Stereotactic biopsy (usually done for suspicious calcifications)
A core biopsy is done after you are given local anesthesia. During the procedure, a radiologist uses a hollow needle attached to a spring-loaded device to extract small tissue cylinders from the targeted area. This process allows the doctor to get enough tissue for a diagnosis while minimizing discomfort.
We offer various biopsy options, including:
- Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA): A very thin (25G) needle withdraws cells from a tissue samples.
- Core Needle Biopsy: An 18 to 14G needle obtain cylindrical tissue samples.
- Vacuum Biopsy: A larger guage needle with suction collects multiple tissue samples.
- Excision Biopsy: Entails surgically removing an entire lump for a comprehensive examination.
An ultrasound-guided biopsy is a minimally invasive procedure used to obtain tissue samples for diagnosis. The radiologist uses real-time ultrasound imaging to guide a needle to the targeted area. Local anesthesia is applied to numb the site, significantly reducing procedure discomfort. Mild bruising or swelling may occur.
Inform your healthcare provider about all medications, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements. You may be advised to stop taking blood thinners such as aspirin or ibuprofen for five days before the biopsy to reduce the risk of bleeding. Do not change your medication regimen until you get approval from your doctor.
Core biopsies are generally safe, but they carry some risks. Potential complications include bleeding at the biopsy site, infection, and injury to surrounding tissues. Allergic reactions to medications can occur. Your healthcare team will take precautions to minimize these risks.
After the biopsy, you may experience mild soreness at the site. This pain usually subsides in a few days. You can return to normal activities the following day, but it’s advisable to avoid strenuous exercise for a few days. Do not go swimming for 5 days. Your healthcare provider will give you specific aftercare instructions to follow.
The processed tissue sample will be sent to a pathologist for analysis, which usually takes 10 to 14 days to complete. Once the results are available, your primary care physician will contact you to discuss the findings and any necessary follow-up steps.
Local anesthesia numbs the area where the biopsy will be performed, helping to minimize discomfort. Sometimes, sedation may also help you feel more relaxed during the procedure. If you have specific concerns about pain management, please discuss them with your healthcare provider beforehand.
We strongly recommended that you arrange for someone to drive you home after the biopsy, this is a requirement in the rare event that we use general sedation.
If you notice excessive bleeding, severe pain, or signs of infection (such as fever, chills, or increasing redness at the biopsy site), contact our office at (340)778-5305 x 1 immediately or seek medical attention with your personal physician or at a hospital. Your health and safety are our top priorities, and we want to ensure you have the best possible care.
