A soft tissue biopsy involves a small incision to obtain tissue samples from a suspected abnormality. Let's explore the procedure in more detail.
The Soft Tissue Biopsy Procedure
The process generally follows these steps:
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Numbness: The area to be biopsied is first numbed using a local anesthetic. This ensures the patient experiences minimal discomfort during the procedure.
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Small Incision: A small incision is made on the skin over the targeted abnormality. The size of the incision will vary depending on the location and size of the area being sampled.
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Needle Insertion: A specialized biopsy needle is carefully inserted into the tissue through the incision. The radiologist (or other qualified medical professional) uses imaging guidance (like ultrasound or CT scan) to precisely locate and target the abnormality.
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Tissue Sample Collection: The needle is advanced to the abnormality, and tissue samples are collected. Typically, two to six samples are obtained to ensure adequate material for analysis.
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Dressing: After the procedure, a sterile dressing is applied to the incision site to promote healing and prevent infection.
Important Considerations:
- Number of Samples: The number of samples taken can vary, typically ranging from two to six. This depends on the size and nature of the abnormality.
- Imaging Guidance: Imaging techniques such as ultrasound or CT scans are often used to accurately guide the needle to the target area.
- Post-Procedure Care: Simple post-procedure care instructions will be provided, often including keeping the area clean and dry.
