A percutaneous biopsy is a medical procedure in which a needle is inserted through the skin to collect a sample of interest. The term "percutaneous" literally means "through the skin," and this term is used specifically to refer to a needle biopsy, rather than an open surgical biopsy in which the patient is cut open to expose the area of interest with in order to collect a sample. Percutaneous biopsies are much less invasive, and they are also faster than traditional surgical biopsies, with reduced healing time and less risk of complications.
Several different techniques can be used to obtain a sample for a percutaneous biopsy. In a core biopsy, a large diameter needle is inserted and used to remove a piece of soft tissue or bone. In fine-needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy, a smaller needle is inserted and a syringe is used to create a vacuum, drawing a sample into the needle. Larger biopsy needles can be used in vacuum-assisted biopsy, in which a larger sample or even a small growth can be removed with the use of a vacuum device.
If a biopsy is used to sample a palpable growth, a percutaneous biopsy will involve palpation of the area to identify and isolate the area of interest, followed by careful needle insertion to collect a sample. In cases where a growth is more difficult to identify, ultrasound may be used to guide the biopsy needle, ensuring that it ends up in the correct place.
The main drawback of percutaneous biopsy is that it is less precise than open surgical biopsy, since it is difficult to see exactly where the needle is going. The option of using a percutaneous biopsy instead of an open surgical biopsy also eliminates the ability to view the surrounding area for signs of tissue death, other growths, and signs of other problems, meaning the severity of a disease is sometimes underestimated. condition. It can also be more difficult to remove entire growths, a technique sometimes used when a problem seems small, with the surgeon removing problem tissue and sending it for biopsy to confirm it was a problem and checking the margins of the tissue to make sure the malignant growth has been completely eliminated.
Percutaneous biopsy is often an option when a biopsy needs to be taken, and a doctor can discuss the various options along with their pros and cons. In some cases, an open surgical biopsy may be necessary for various reasons, but in other cases, a physician may be willing to be flexible in addressing a patient's concerns.