A soft tissue biopsy involves a small incision in the numb area, followed by the insertion of a needle to collect tissue samples from the abnormality.
The Procedure: Step-by-Step
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Numbness: The area targeted for the biopsy is first numbed to minimize discomfort.
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Incision: A small incision is made on the skin's surface. This incision is small and minimally invasive.
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Needle Insertion: A specialized biopsy needle is carefully inserted into the targeted area of the soft tissue. The radiologist precisely guides the needle to reach the abnormality.
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Tissue Sample Collection: Multiple tissue samples (typically two to six) are collected using the needle. The number of samples depends on the size and location of the abnormality.
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Dressing: After collecting the samples, a sterile dressing is applied to the incision site to prevent infection and promote healing.
Types of Soft Tissue Biopsies (While not explicitly asked, this adds context):
While the question focuses on the general procedure, it's worth noting that several types of soft tissue biopsies exist, each with slightly different techniques. These might include incisional biopsies (removing a piece of the abnormality), excisional biopsies (removing the entire abnormality), and needle biopsies (as described above). The specific technique used will depend on the location and nature of the abnormality.
