Needle biopsy
About this test
A needle biopsy is a procedure to remove some cells or a small piece of tissue from the body using a needle. The sample removed during a needle biopsy goes to a lab for testing. Common needle biopsy procedures include fine-needle aspiration and core needle biopsy. Needle biopsy may be used to take tissue or fluid samples from the lymph nodes, liver, lungs or bones. It also may be used on other organs, including the thyroid gland, kidneys and stomach.
Why it's done
Your healthcare professional may suggest a needle biopsy to help diagnose a medical condition. A needle biopsy also may help to rule out a disease or condition. A needle biopsy may help figure out what's causing: A mass or lump. A needle biopsy may reveal whether a mass or lump is a cyst, an infection, a benign tumor or cancer. An infection. Results from a needle biopsy may show what germs are causing an infection so that your healthcare professional can choose the most effective medicines. Inflammation. A needle biopsy sample may reveal what's causing inflammation and what types of cells are involved.
Risks and complications
Needle biopsy carries a small risk of bleeding and infection at the site where the needle is inserted. It's common to have some mild pain after needle biopsy. The pain usually can be controlled with pain relievers. Call your healthcare professional if you experience: Fever. Pain at the biopsy site that worsens or isn't helped by medicines. Changes in the color of the skin around the biopsy site. It may look red, purple or brown depending on your skin color. Swelling at the biopsy site. Drainage from the biopsy site. Bleeding that doesn't stop with pressure or a bandage.
How to prepare
Most needle biopsy procedures don't require any preparation on your part. Depending on what part of your body will be biopsied, your healthcare professional may ask you not to eat or drink before the procedure. Medicines are sometimes adjusted before the procedure. Follow your healthcare professional's instructions.
Understanding your results
Needle biopsy results may take a few days to a week or more. Ask your healthcare professional how long you can expect to wait and how you'll get the results. After your needle biopsy, your biopsy sample goes to a lab for testing. In the lab, doctors who specialize in studying cells and tissue for signs of disease will test your biopsy sample. These doctors are called pathologists. The pathologists create a pathology report with your results. You can request a copy of your pathology report from your healthcare professional. Pathology reports are usually filled with technical terms. You may find it helpful to have your healthcare professional review the report with you. Your pathology report may include: A description of the biopsy sample. This section of the pathology report, sometimes called the gross description, describes the biopsy sample in general. For instance, it may describe the color and consistency of the tissues or fluid collected with the needle biopsy procedure. Or it may say how many slides were submitted for testing. A description of the cells. This section of the pathology report describes how the cells look under a microscope. It may include how many cells and what types of cells were seen. Information on special dyes that were used to study the cells may be included. The pathologist's diagnosis. This section of the pathology report lists the pathologist's diagnosis. It may also include comments, such as whether other tests are recommended. The results of your needle biopsy determine the next steps in your medical care. Talk with your healthcare professional about what your results mean for you.
Disclaimer: August is a health information platform and its responses don't constitute medical advise. Always consult with a licenced medical professional near you before making any changes.