CT AND ULTRASOUND GUIDED BIOPSIS

Utilizing CT or ultrasound masses can be precisely located and a needle placed to obtain a small sample for pathologic analysis. The position of the needle is confirmed so the Radiologist is sure that he is obtaining the biopsy from within the mass. CT and ultrasound guided biopsies have can save the patient from more invasive surgical biopsy or exploration.
CT and ultrasound biopsies are performed on an outpatient basis with a short period of observation by nursing afterward ranging from two to six hours depending on the biopsy site.

Risks from biopsy are low but can include bleeding, infection and in the case of lung biopsy pneumothorax. In general the risks are much less than the surgical alternative.