Ultrasound Guided Needle Biopsy

An ultrasound guided needle biopsy is a medical test used to learn more about tissue, like a mass or lesion, in your body. The biopsy is done using an ultrasound to find the tissue. A needle is used to remove cells or a piece of the tissue.

When are ultrasound guided needle biopsies used?

Ultrasound guided needle biopsies can be used:

• To biopsy parts of the body like the lymph nodes and abnormal tissue found in the breasts, kidneys, liver, and thyroid.
• When imaging is needed to see where the tissue is in your body.
• When only a small amount of cells or tissue needs to be removed and tested.
• With endoscopy or bronchoscopy when tumors are within your GI tract or lungs. These tests are called endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) or endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS).

How do I prepare for an ultrasound guided needle biopsy?

If you are on blood thinners or take aspirin, your provider may want you to stop taking them for a few days before the test. Your provider will give you instructions on how to prepare for your biopsy depending on the type you are having.

How is this test done?

Local anesthesia, such as lidocaine, will be used to numb the area so that you do not have any feeling there. An ultrasound is done to find the area that needs to be biopsied. A very small cut is made. A needle is put into the tissue to remove cells or a part of the tissue. This can be done in a few different ways:

• Fine needle aspiration uses a small needle that removes cells.
• A core needle uses a hollow, larger needle that removes one or more samples of the tissue.
• Vacuum-assisted device uses a tool that sucks out many tissue samples through one needle.

In some cases, a small marker is left at the biopsy site to find the area in the future.

Once the tissue has been removed, the needle is taken out and pressure is applied to the area to slow or stop any bleeding. A dressing is put on your skin. The insertion and removal of the needle only takes a few minutes, but the whole biopsy takes about 30 minutes.

If you are having an EUS or EBUS, you will likely need anesthesia to help you stay calm and not remember the procedure. Your provider will talk with you about your procedure, how it will be done, and how you should prepare.

What should I expect after the test?

As the numbing medication wears off, you may have some discomfort. You may have bruising, swelling, or a small amount of bleeding at the site of the biopsy.

In some cases, a small amount of blood (called a hematoma) will collect at the site of the biopsy. This can be uncomfortable but should get better over the next few days. If you have severe pain, you should call your provider right away.

For an EUS or EBUS, you may need to have someone drive you home after you wake up from anesthesia. Your provider will tell you what to expect after the biopsy is done.

How do I get the results of my ultrasound guided needle biopsy?

The tissue sample is reviewed by a pathologist and a report is written. The report will give your provider information about all their findings. Your provider will talk with you about your results.