A biopsy is the procedure of taking a sample from a tissue, or from the part of it where disease is suspected, to make a definitive diagnosis. Once performed with open surgery, biopsies are now carried out with interventional radiology techniques that are far more comfortable for patients.

In the hands of an experienced specialist, even the smallest lesions can be reached this way. After a biopsy taken through a tiny needle puncture, most patients can leave the hospital shortly afterwards. No surgical incision, local anaesthesia and an immediate return to daily life make the minimally invasive (percutaneous) approach more advantageous than surgery.

Procedure

Percutaneous biopsies are performed as fine-needle or core-needle biopsies under ultrasound, MRI or CT guidance, depending on the structure of the area to be sampled.

The most common biopsies performed with this method are:

• Lung (thorax)
• Breast
• Thyroid
• Prostate
• Kidney
• Liver
• Bone
• Pancreas and other abdominal organ masses

Before and After the Procedure

Some preparation is required before the procedure, depending on the area to be sampled. Our specialist team carefully prepares patients beforehand and informs them about what to pay attention to afterwards.