Image Guided Biopsy
If a patient has a new or enlarging mass, we may need to obtain a sample to determine if it is cancer or not.
Using real-time image guidance (usually ultrasound and/or computed tomography), we can find the find the mass, use a tiny needle to numb overlying skin and soft tissues; then, we can advance a bigger needle into the mass and obtain pieces of the mass for pathologists to review.
The procedure usually has a mild to moderate risk of bleeding, infection, and damage to nearby organs. Depending on the location, most patients should refrain from eating and drinking for at least 6 hours prior to the procedure so that we may give them medications to help them relax (moderate sedation). We perform this procedure for both inpatients and outpatients. Usually, 1-3 hours after the procedure, inpatients can return to their room and outpatients also usually can return home.
