Needle biopsy

Needle biopsy

Tissue for histological examination can be obtained under local anaesthesia using a large-diameter core needle biopsy device (14G for breast tissue and 18G for axillary nodes) ( Figure 58.11 ). The core needle biopsy should always be taken under image guidance. The passage of the biopsy needle can be guided by ultrasonography , mammogram or sometimes MRI; the needle tip should be used to take a sample from only the solid part of the mass, avoiding areas of cystic degeneration and blood vessels in and around the lesion.

(a) (b) Figure 58.11 Large-diameter core needle biopsy of the breast.