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Core needle biopsy is a type of examination in which a piece of tissue is removed for further histopathological examination. Core-needle biopsy is performed in order to exclude the suspicion of a neoplastic disease or to determine the severity of the possible disease. What is a core needle biopsy and when is it performed? Can core needle biopsy have any complications?
What is a core needle biopsy?
Core needle biopsy is an invasive test, also known as oligobiopsy. Core needle biopsy is performed in order to obtain material that can be subjected to further histopathological or immunohistochemical examination. Histopathological examination of the core-needle tissue collected during a biopsy is based on microscopic analysis of the material. This examination is divided into a cytological examination and a histological examination. A fine-needle aspiration biopsy is usually performed prior to a core-needle biopsy. If the fine-needle biopsy does not provide sufficient results for diagnosis, the doctor decides to perform a core-needle biopsy.
Core needle biopsy – indications
Core-needle biopsy is a test performed when a tumor is diagnosed with the suspicion of malignant neoplastic changes. The doctor recommends a core-needle biopsy in cases of subcutaneous lesions, breast tumor, thyroid tumor, liver tumor, lung cancer, prostate cancer, lymph nodes or bone cancer.
Core needle biopsy – the course of the study
During a needle biopsy, tissue is removed and further examined. The puncture in the nodular lesion is performed with a special 14-gauge biopsy needle. During the puncture, a piece of tissue is taken one centimeter long and four millimeters wide. Then the collected material is transferred to the pathomorphology laboratory, where, after prior staining of the preparation, a detailed analysis of the material is carried out. The examination allows to determine the nature of the tumor, the degree of its malignancy, as well as to indicate markers of proliferation. Core needle biopsy is a painless test, although you may feel some discomfort at the time of puncture. In order to accurately collect the indicated material, the test is performed using the equipment used for ultrasound examinations. The area of the tumor that will be punctured with the needle is anesthetized with lignocaine. After the end of the examination, a dressing is applied to the puncture site. Core needle biopsy results are available within 7-14 days.
Core needle biopsy – complications
Core needle biopsy is an invasive test, and therefore there may be some complications associated with its performance. In the place where the needle is inserted, there may be swelling, intense bleeding of the incised tumor, bruising, and in the worst case, hematomas, which must be surgically removed. After the examination, the patient may feel pain and discomfort in the place where the needle was inserted. Collecting the material using the core needle biopsy method leaves only a small mark on the skin.
How much does a core needle biopsy cost?
Core needle biopsy is a test that is reimbursed by the National Health Fund. However, if the patient decides to perform this examination in a private office, he must take into account quite high costs. The average cost of a core needle biopsy is 600 to 1000 PLN. The exact price depends on the place where the test is to be performed.
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