US GUIDED BIOPSY

An Ultrasound-Guided Biopsy is a type of minimally invasive procedure which targets a specimen of tissue from a distinct body region using ultrasound imaging for guidance. This procedure helps determine if the specimen is benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). 

It assists in making informed treatment decisions when lesions are found in the breast, thyroid, lymph nodes, liver, kidney, prostate, soft tissues, and even more. 

What Is an Ultrasound-Guided Biopsy? 

Ultrasound-guided biopsy locates the abnormal area and guides a needle into the exact location with the help of real-time ultrasound imaging. Thus, improving accuracy and minimizing damage done to surrounding tissues. 

Two dominant techniques are: 

• Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA): Involves using a thin needle to obtain cells or fluid. 
• Core Needle Biopsy (CNB): Accomplished using a hollow larger needle to extract the core of tissue. 

Depends on the location, size, and nature of the lesion. 

Types of Ultrasound Guided Biopsy Techniques

Fine needle aspiration (FNA) 

Remove cells by means of a thin needle 

Thyroid, lymph nodes and cystic lesions 

| Core Needle Biopsy (CNB) | Utilizes a larger needle to extract a core of tissue | Breast, liver, kidney, solid tumours | 

| Vacuum-Assisted Biopsy | Employs suction to remove a larger volume of tissue | Breast or deeper soft tissue lesions | 

| Prostate Biopsy | Performed via transrectal or trans perineal approach with ultrasound guidance | Assessment of prostate cancer | 

During your procedure, the radiologist at Cadabams Diagnostics meticulously evaluates several key parameters on the live ultrasound screen to ensure safety and accuracy:

• Target Location and Size: The precise three-dimensional location, size, and characteristics of the lesion are confirmed.
• Needle Pathway: The safest and most direct path for the biopsy needle is planned, carefully avoiding blood vessels, major organs, and other critical structures.
• Needle Tip Position: The radiologist watches the screen in real-time to confirm the needle tip is correctly positioned inside the target area before taking a sample.
• Sample Acquisition: Confirmation that a sufficient amount of tissue has been collected for the pathology lab to make an accurate diagnosis.

Your doctor may recommend this test for several important reasons:

• To obtain a definitive diagnosis for a suspicious mass or nodule.
• To investigate abnormalities that were found on other imaging scans.
• To accurately differentiate between cancerous (malignant) and non-cancerous (benign) growths.
• To drain a painful or symptomatic fluid-filled cyst and analyze the fluid for abnormal cells.
• To help plan the most appropriate medical treatment based on a confirmed diagnosis.

When and Who Needs to Take a US Guided Biopsy?

A US Guided Biopsy is typically recommended when a previous imaging test—such as a mammogram, CT scan, or an initial screening ultrasound—has identified a suspicious area that requires further investigation. It provides a definitive diagnosis that imaging alone cannot offer.

Common reasons and patient groups include:

• Individuals with a palpable lump or mass in the breast, thyroid, or under the skin.
• Patients with an abnormal finding, nodule, or lesion discovered in an organ like the liver, kidney, or pancreas.
• People with swollen or enlarged lymph nodes that do not have a clear cause.
• Anyone needing to confirm whether a growth is benign, pre-cancerous, or cancerous.

Benefits of Choosing an Ultrasound Guided Biopsy

Choosing a US Guided Biopsy offers numerous advantages over more invasive options:

• Minimally Invasive: It is an excellent alternative to open surgical biopsy, requiring only a tiny incision and no stitches.
• High Accuracy: Real-time image guidance ensures the sample is taken from the correct location.
• Fast Recovery: Most patients can resume their normal activities the next day.
• Outpatient Procedure: The test is performed at a Cadabams Diagnostics center, and you can go home shortly after.
• Local Anesthesia: Only local anesthetic is needed, avoiding the risks and side effects associated with general anesthesia.

Illnesses Diagnosed with US Guided Biopsy

This versatile procedure can help diagnose a wide range of conditions affecting various parts of the body, including:

• Breast cancer and benign breast lumps
• Thyroid nodules and thyroid cancer
• Liver diseases, including cirrhosis and tumors
• Kidney masses and tumors
• Abnormal or swollen lymph nodes (lymphadenopathy)
• Certain soft tissue tumors in muscles or fascia

Proper preparation is simple but important for a smooth procedure. Please follow these guidelines:

• Medications: Inform your doctor about all medications you take, especially blood thinners like aspirin, warfarin (Coumadin), clopidogrel (Plavix), or other anticoagulants. You may be asked to stop taking these for several days before your appointment, but only do so with your doctor’s explicit approval.
• Diet: In most cases, no fasting is required. However, for biopsies of the liver or other abdominal organs, you may be asked not to eat or drink for a few hours beforehand. Our staff will provide you with specific instructions when you schedule your appointment.
• Clothing: Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows easy access to the biopsy area. You may be asked to change into a medical gown.

Pre-requisites

To ensure we have all the necessary information for your procedure, please bring the following:

• A doctor's referral or prescription for the US Guided Biopsy.
• Any previous imaging reports (e.g., initial ultrasound, mammogram, CT, or MRI) and images related to the area of concern.
• A complete list of your current medications and known allergies.

For more information, you can explore our general [Link to: Ultrasound (Sonography)] services page.

Best Time to Take the US Guided Biopsy

The procedure is not time-sensitive and can be scheduled at your convenience during our clinic hours. It is scheduled by appointment to ensure the radiologist and staff are fully prepared for your visit.

Eligibility

Most patients are excellent candidates for a US Guided Biopsy. However, there are a few situations where the test may be contraindicated or need special consideration:

• An uncorrectable bleeding disorder.
• An allergy to local anesthetics.
• Inability to lie still for the duration of the procedure (typically 15-30 minutes).

Please discuss any of these concerns with your doctor and our staff at Cadabams Diagnostics.

Procedure for Taking a US Guided Biopsy

Knowing what to expect during ultrasound biopsy can help ease any anxiety. Our team at Cadabams Diagnostics is here to guide you through every step of the ultrasound biopsy procedure.

• Step 1: Positioning & Preparation: You will be asked to lie on an examination table, positioned to give the radiologist the best access to the biopsy area.
• Step 2: Imaging: A clear, warm gel will be applied to your skin over the target area. The radiologist will then use the ultrasound probe (transducer) to scan the area and pinpoint the exact location for the biopsy.
• Step 3: Anesthesia: The skin will be cleaned with an antiseptic solution. The radiologist will then inject a local anesthetic to completely numb the area. You may feel a brief sting, but the area will quickly become numb.
• Step 4: The Biopsy: A very small incision (a few millimeters) is made in the numbed skin. The radiologist will then insert the biopsy needle, watching its entire path on the ultrasound monitor to guide it precisely into the target lesion.
• Step 5: Sample Collection: Once the needle is in place, several small tissue samples are quickly and carefully collected. If a core needle device is used, you may hear a loud click or snap as each sample is taken. This is normal.
• Step 6: Post-Procedure: The needle is removed, and firm pressure is applied to the site for a few minutes to minimize any bleeding or bruising. A small sterile bandage is then placed over the site. The entire procedure usually takes about 30 to 60 minutes.

Caution Before Taking the Test

For your safety, it is essential that you inform the radiologist or technologist at Cadabams Diagnostics about the following before your procedure begins:

• Any known allergies, especially to latex, adhesives, or local anesthetics (like lidocaine).
• All medications you are currently taking, with a special emphasis on blood thinners.
• If you are pregnant or there is any possibility you might be pregnant.
• Any personal or family history of bleeding disorders.