If you detect a lump on your body, such as on a breast or around the thyroid, your doctor may choose to remove a tissue sample using a procedure called a biopsy to analyze it. While removing tissue may seem scary, these procedures are quick, low-risk, and pain-free. If your doctor has requested one for you, here’s what you need to know. 

What Is a Biopsy? 

A doctor who discovers a suspicious area on your body during a physical examination may biopsy the abnormal tissue to identify or rule out a medical issue. Generally, biopsies are minimally invasive and can be performed at an imaging center. Before the doctor removes the tissue, they’ll numb the area to ensure the procedure is pain-free.

Why Are Biopsies Done?

This procedure is designed to determine whether cancer is present in concerning tissue, such as a mass on the breast or an enlarged thyroid. If the patient already has cancer, the procedure may be utilized to find out whether it has spread or determine the proper treatment. However, a doctor ordering this test doesn’t automatically mean you have cancer. Oftentimes, abnormalities are benign and may be related to treatable inflammation or infection. 

What Are the Different Types?

There are many different types of biopsies, but fine-needle aspiration and core needle sampling are common for breast and thyroid testing. Fine-needle aspiration uses a very thin needle to extract a small amount of fluid or cells from the area in question, while core needles are used to collect larger samples called tissue columns. Fine-needle aspiration is considered less invasive because of the equipment’s size, though both types are less invasive than surgery.

For both methods, a radiologist will take live images of the area to guide the needle and identify potential issues in the affected area, such as changes to an organ’s shape, problems with surrounding blood vessels, or nearby tumors.

These procedures are typically considered outpatient, though you may be sedated for a core needle biopsy and require assistance afterward.

If you need a biopsy, you can trust the medical professionals at Hudson Valley Imaging in Orange County, NY. Their facility has state-of-the-art technology, and their physicians are licensed and board-certified. To schedule an appointment, call (845) 220-2222. Visit them online to learn more about their services.