Core needle biopsy

A core needle biopsy is a procedure in which a special hollow needle is used to take a small cylinder-shaped (core) sample of tissue from a lump or mass.

This test may also be called:

• core biopsy
• cutting needle biopsy
• ultrasound-guided biopsy
• computed tomography (CT) guided biopsy.

Why core needle biopsy is done

Core need biopsy is done to:

• remove a piece of tissue from an area suspected of being cancerous
• diagnose cancer
• help doctors plan cancer surgery

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How core needle biopsy is done

A core needle biopsy is done in a doctor’s office or clinic. The procedure does not usually need any special preparation and does not take very long.

• The area is frozen with a local anesthetic.
• The doctor makes a small cut in the skin above the lump or mass.
• A large, hollow needle with a special cutting edge is inserted into the lump.
  • Ultrasound or computed tomography (CT) scan may be used to guide the needle into the lump.
• The doctor may take several samples during the biopsy. The samples are sent to a laboratory to be examined under a microscope.
• After the biopsy is done:
  • Ice and pressure may be applied to the area.
  • A small bandage is used to cover the biopsy site.
  • The person may resume normal activities after 24 hours.

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Potential side effects

Side effects can occur with core needle biopsy, but not everyone has them or experiences them in the same way. Most side effects of core needle biopsy are short term and may include:

• slight bleeding or bruising
• tenderness
• pain
  • Some people experience pain during the procedure.
• infection

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What the results mean

Biopsy samples are sent to the pathology lab. A pathologist (a doctor who specializes in the causes and nature of disease) will look at the cells in the tissue to see if they contain cancer. The pathology report indicates the characteristics and type of cells present and if cells are normal, non-cancerous or cancerous.

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What happens if a change or abnormality is found

Results from a core needle biopsy usually provide enough information for the doctor to decide whether or not surgery is needed. The doctor will also decide whether further tests or procedures are needed.

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Limitations of core needle biopsy

A core needle biopsy may not be done if the area to be sampled contains vital structures or nerves that could be damaged.

In rare situations, a core needle biopsy may miss sampling the area completely, or miss areas that are actually cancerous.

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Special considerations for children

Being prepared for a test or procedure can reduce anxiety, increase cooperation and help the child develop coping skills. Parents or caregivers can help prepare children by explaining to them what will happen, including what they will see, feel and hear during the test.

• Feel comfortable to ask questions about what is going to happen during the procedure.
  • The more information the parent knows, the better they can explain the procedure to the child and answer any questions the child may have.
• Tell children that they will be going to the hospital for the procedure and what will happen at the hospital.
• Tell children when they will have the procedure and how long it will take.
• The child can bring a favourite toy, doll, pacifier or blanket to the hospital.
• Have books, magazines, games or music to keep the child entertained while waiting for the biopsy.
• There may be certain restrictions before the procedure, such as:
  • Children may not be allowed to eat solid food for 8 hours before the procedure.
  • They may not be able to drink clear fluids for 3 hours before the procedure
• If the child will have general anesthetic, let the child know:
  • They will not feel, hear or see anything during the operation because of a special sleep medicine.
  • They will wake up when it is over.
  • They may feel a burning or stinging when the anesthetic is injected.
• If the child will have local anesthetic and be awake during the procedure, they may feel some pressure or “tugging.”
• The area of the biopsy may be sore for about a week after the procedure.

The preparation you can provide for this test depends on the age and experience of the child. See the following for more age-specific information on helping children cope with tests and treatment.