Home : Our Services : Biopsy
Biopsy
If an abnormality can’t be defined by imaging alone, a biopsy may be required to determine its nature. A biopsy is the removal of a small piece of tissue using a needle so the Pathologist can examine the tissue.
The site of the abnormality usually determines the method of biopsy and the type of imaging used to guide it. For example a lesion in the lung is better biopsied using CT for guidance, but for the thyroid Ultrasound is preferred or a breast abnormality may require mammography or Ultrasound.
The Biopsy Procedure
You will be asked to change into a gown and then taken into the room. It is very important that you stay still for the entire procedure. Pre biopsy imaging will be undertaken to accurately locate the abnormality and plan the biopsy. The entry site will be marked on the skin. The skin will then be cleansed creating a sterile field and local anaesthetic will be administered to numb the area.
The Radiologist (specialist Doctor) will then place the needle into the abnormal area under imaging guidance and a small piece of tissue is then acquired. It is not uncommon to require several specimens. Once the needle is removed pressure will be placed on the entry site to stop any bleeding and then a bandage is placed over the entry site.
Any possible risks and complications will be discussed prior to the commencement of the biopsy.
Following Your Biopsy
You may be required to stay after the procedure for observation. As part of your post procedure care you may need further imaging after the biopsy such as a chest x-ray. You can expect to feel uncomfortable around the site of the biopsy for which you may take paracetamol and you will need someone to drive you home. Once home do not exert yourself for a couple of days post the biopsy.
The pathologist will send your results to your doctor about a week after your procedure. You MUST return to your doctor to discuss the results and possible treatments.
Ultrasound Biopsy – Neck / Thyroid / Breast and Superficial Lumps
When an abnormality cannot be clearly defined or identified with preliminary imaging or clinical examination, a needle biopsy may be necessary to obtain the additional information required.
Ultrasound is used as a very useful guide to ensure the biopsy sample is taken from the most desirable location within the area of interest.
Patient Preparation
When booking your biopsy appointment please inform us if you are taking any blood-thinning medication (i.e. Aspirin, Warfarin, Clopidogrel, etc). You may need to have a blood-clotting test before the procedure and have your medication adjusted by your doctor.
What will happen during the examination?
Ultrasound scanning is performed to locate the area of interest and determine the best approach for acquiring a sample.
Under sterile conditions the radiologist (medical imaging specialist) will position a needle using the ultrasound to guide into the area of interest and obtain a sample of the tissues. It is often necessary to ‘jiggle’ the needle to obtain a small sample of tissue. Bleeding is normally minimal and after the needle is removed a band-aid is applied.
Are there any risks involved?
A little bruising is normally the extent of the after-effects.
Other risks, such as infection or injury to organs, are very low. We take every precaution to ensure your procedure is safe and sterile.
If you have any symptoms that you are concerned about following your biopsy, please consult the nurse or doctor.
After the examination, as soon as you feel comfortable you are able to leave the department.
The tissue sample taken will be sent off for detailed examination by a pathologist. We are unable to provide the final pathology report at the time of the examination. The results will be sent to you doctor a few days after the examination. It is important that you visit your GP/ specialist to discuss the final results.