Percutaneous Core Needle Biopsy

A percutaneous core needle biopsy is a test in which a doctor passes a specially designed needle through your skin to obtain a sample of tissue that needs to be examined. A needle biopsy is used to determine if a tumor is cancerous or to find out the cause of an infection or inflammation. A needle biopsy is less invasive and reduces the chance that you’ll need to have surgery to obtain the tissue.

Your doctor may use some type of X-ray or image-guided technique, which will allow him or her to locate the area that needs to be tested. Your doctor may also use image guidance during the procedure to make sure the needle is properly placed and the specimen is being taken from the area that is believed to be diseased.

In a core needle biopsy a small, hollow needle is used to take a sample of tissue. Core needle biopsies help the doctor get a larger tissue sample and are often performed using automated needles.
 
The area where the needle will be inserted will be cleaned and anesthetized. Your doctor may use a special needle, called an introducer needle, and then will put the biopsy needle in place through the introducer needle. He or she will then press a button on the device and a sample is taken. This product is designed to allow your doctor to obtain a biopsy with less discomfort to you. The sample is then sent to the lab for examination.

A needle biopsy is generally performed on an out-patient basis, but you may be monitored after the biopsy for any complications, such as bleeding. You may experience some discomfort after the procedure. Talk to your doctor about any special instructions regarding the care or monitoring of the biopsy area.

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