A biopsy is the collection of tissue samples from an organ or area to look for possible evidence of disease. Needing a biopsy can be unsettling, to say the least. However, it can be helpful to bear in mind that for one of the most common types, breast biopsy, about 4 out of 5 cases are not cancer.
Biopsies are highly valuable at discovering cancer, but also at ruling out cancer, discovering other types of disease, and identifying often-harmless growths, like benign tumors and cysts. So, while having a biopsy may be unnerving, it can help direct your healthcare team toward the right treatment – and avoid unnecessary treatment.
When cancer is discovered, a biopsy can help determine its grade and stage, so the quickest, most effective treatment can be designed and employed.
Image-guided biopsy
Image-guided biopsy presents the most precise and least invasive way to collect and study tissue. Live image guidance targets cells requiring analysis while preventing undue disruption of healthy tissue. RAO offers a range of image-guided biopsy for ultimate accuracy and speed with minimal discomfort, risk and healing time:
Ultrasound guided biopsy – Gentle, painless ultrasound is used to locate the mass or abnormality so the needle can accurately collect a tissue sample.
MRI guided biopsy – Radiation-free MRI provides outstanding detail of soft tissues, including organs, muscles, fat and the vascular system for outstanding precision.
CT guided biopsy/aspiration – Using computed tomography scanning, your radiologist will guide a needle to the mass or lesion and draw fluid and cells for examination. Contrast dye may be used to enhance details.
Stereotactic breast biopsy – Using a specialized table to access breast tissue, this procedure utilizes x-ray imaging to allow pinpoint cell and fluid collection from a suspicious mass.
Once the sample has been collected, it is sent to a pathology lab for processing and analysis. Your doctor will contact you with the results and answer any questions you may have.
RAO for Image Guided Biopsy
RAO features a team of Board-certified, fellowship-trained radiologists who subspecialize in the latest, most advanced imaging technologies and procedures. Our state-of-the-art centers are ACR-accredited in MRI, CT and stereotactic breast biopsy for accuracy, safety and highest practice standards.
If you need a biopsy, you have a choice of providers. Trust RAO’s 50 years serving Central Florida for experienced, dedicated and individualized care.
