What is a fine needle core biopsy?

A fine needle core biopsy is a procedure in medicine where a small needle is inserted into the body to extract a core of tissue for microscopic examination. This procedure is commonly used as a minimally invasive method of obtaining a tissue sample for medical diagnosis, particularly for detecting various types of cancer, such as breast cancer, prostate cancer, and lymph node cancers.

During a fine needle core biopsy, a thin, hollow needle attached to a syringe is used to extract a small cylindrical core of tissue from the suspicious or abnormal area. The needle is guided into the target tissue using real-time imaging techniques such as ultrasound or computed tomography (CT) to ensure accuracy and avoid damaging critical structures. The extracted core of tissue is then placed on a glass slide and stained for examination under a microscope by a pathologist.

The pathologist analyzes the microscopic features and structures of the tissue to identify any abnormal or cancerous cells. The evaluation of the tissue sample helps in determining the presence or absence of cancer, its type, and its stage. This information plays a crucial role in guiding further diagnostic tests and treatment decisions, including surgery, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy, if necessary.

Compared to conventional surgical biopsies that require a larger incision and removal of a tissue sample, fine needle core biopsies are minimally invasive and cause minimal discomfort to the patient. They are also associated with a lower risk of complications, such as bleeding or infection. However, the accuracy of the procedure depends on the skill of the healthcare professional performing it and the size and location of the target tissue.