What Is It?
Superficial and deep tissues, bone
A biopsy is the removal of a small amount of tissue or bone for doctors to study and diagnose disorders or disease. It is often used to determine whether a tumor is benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Our radiologists will use live imaging—usually CT scan, MRI or Ultrasound to guide the procedure.
How Is It Treated?
Local anesthesia is commonly administered to numb the biopsy site, ensuring minimal discomfort. The healthcare provider then extracts a tissue sample using a needle, a specialized instrument, or through a minor surgical procedure, depending on the location and nature of the suspected abnormality.
How Do I Prep For The Procedure?
Biopsies are performed on an outpatient basis. A local anesthetic is used to numb the area where the biopsy needle will be inserted. You may also be given a mild sedative to help you relax and remain still during the procedure.
You should fast—have no food—for the 8 hours prior to the exam. Preparation instructions vary depending on the type of exam you receive. Our staff will advise you about preparation details when you schedule your exam. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask us. We are glad to help.
No aspirin or blood thinners to be taken 5 days prior to the procedure.
What Happens After The Procedure?
After a biopsy, patients can expect a brief recovery period at the site where the tissue sample was taken. There may be some minor discomfort or bruising at the biopsy site, and the healthcare provider will provide guidelines on managing any post-procedure pain or swelling. The collected tissue is sent to a pathology lab for analysis, and results are typically available in a few days to a week. Overall, the recovery from a biopsy is usually swift, and patients can resume their regular activities shortly after the procedure.
