What is a fine needle biopsy?

A fine needle biopsy is a procedure using a needle to take samples of tissue.

Why does my child need a needle biopsy?

• Your doctor has found an area of tissue in your child's body that does not look normal.

Where is the needle biopsy performed?

• It is performed in the Radiology Department.

Who will perform the needle biopsy?

• One of our specially trained Pediatric Interventional Radiologists.

What can I expect before the needle biopsy?

• Your child will be seen by one of our doctors and/or nurse clinicians, who will obtain a health history, perform a brief physical exam, explain the procedure and answer your questions.
• Your child will have blood drawn and an IV (intravenous) catheter started.
• You may be required to have a CT (computed tomography) scan and/or US (ultrasound) exam.
• You will be requested to sign a consent form.
• If your child is taking aspirin, he/she will need to STOP taking it 3 days prior to the procedure.

What can I expect during the needle biopsy?

• Your child will be attached to a monitor so that IV (intravenous) medications can be given to relax him/her.
• The skin over the biopsy area will be cleaned with special soap.
• The doctor will numb the skin and insert a needle into the abnormal tissue. Three or four samples may be taken.
• The sample will be sent to Pathology for evaluation. You should get the results in 2 to 4 days. Bone and liver tissue results may take longer.

What can I expect after the needle biopsy?

• Your child will be observed in our department for 2 to 4 hours to watch for bleeding.
• Your child will have a blood count taken at the end of his/her stay to check for internal bleeding where the tissue samples were taken.
• If the blood count hasn't changed much from the first test, you will be allowed to go home with your child.
• If internal bleeding is suspected, the doctor will admit your child to the hospital. Your child's primary care doctor may want to admit your child to the hospital overnight regardless of the results. This will be a decision he will discuss with you before the procedure.

 

What are the risks of having a needle biopsy?

• Bleeding.
• Infection.
• Injury to tissue or organs around the biopsy.

What are the benefits of having a needle biopsy?

• To find out if the tissue in your child's body is abnormal.
• To help guide your doctor to the appropriate care for your child.

What are the alternatives to having a needle biopsy?

• Discuss with your doctor the risks of not knowing what the abnormal tissue is and not receiving treatment.
• Surgical removal of tissue.