Fine Needle Biopsy
Fine Needle Biopsy available at:
PRP Adamstown ALL REFERRALS ACCEPTED
T: 4940 8599
PRP Bathurst ALL REFERRALS ACCEPTED
T: 6331 3200
PRP Castle Hill ALL REFERRALS ACCEPTED
T: 9634 4444
PRP Charlestown ALL REFERRALS ACCEPTED
T: 4920 8555
PRP Cumberland ALL REFERRALS ACCEPTED
T: 9896 3222
PRP Dee Why ALL REFERRALS ACCEPTED
T: 9981 3000
PRP Dubbo ALL REFERRALS ACCEPTED
T: 6882 4888
PRP Eastwood ALL REFERRALS ACCEPTED
T: 9858 1500
PRP Erina ALL REFERRALS ACCEPTED
T: 4367 7100
PRP Frenchs Forest ALL REFERRALS ACCEPTED
T: 9451 1062
PRP Gordon ALL REFERRALS ACCEPTED
T: 9498 2500
PRP Gosford ALL REFERRALS ACCEPTED
T: 4331 7050
PRP Gosford North ALL REFERRALS ACCEPTED
T: 4324 0006
PRP Hornsby ALL REFERRALS ACCEPTED
T: 9482 1211
PRP Maitland ALL REFERRALS ACCEPTED
T: 4004 5500
PRP Mona Vale ALL REFERRALS ACCEPTED
T: 9997 7411
PRP Moore Park/City East ALL REFERRALS ACCEPTED
T: 8075 3400
PRP Norwest ALL REFERRALS ACCEPTED
T: 8881 8800
PRP Orange ALL REFERRALS ACCEPTED
T: 6376 9000
PRP Shellharbour ALL REFERRALS ACCEPTED
T: 4297 3332
PRP Toukley ALL REFERRALS ACCEPTED
T: 4397 1791
PRP Tuggerah ALL REFERRALS ACCEPTED
T: 4355 4790
PRP Westmead ALL REFERRALS ACCEPTED
T: 8892 2950
PRP Wollongong ALL REFERRALS ACCEPTED
T: 4226 9711
PRP Woy Woy ALL REFERRALS ACCEPTED
T: 4341 3500
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Fine needle biopsy Explained
Tissue sampling using a needle which is guided into an abnormality by ultrasound, CT or mammography. Ultrasound is used to guide biopsies of the breast, thyroid, liver and superficial lymph nodes and other accessible structures. CT is used to guide biopsies of the chest, abdomen and pelvis. Some breast biopsies are guided by mammography if the abnormality is not visible on ultrasound.
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Please advise us beforehand
If you are on anticoagulants such as Warfarin.
Please advise us if you are, or think you may be, pregnant.
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Preparation
Please bring your referral, Medicare and Pension Health Care Cards with any previous imaging relating to the region being scanned.
For abdominal biopsies you may be asked to fast for 4 hours.
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What happens during the procedure
You will change into a gown and be comfortably positioned so that the area being examined is most accessible. Scans are taken to locate its exact position. The skin in the area is sterilised with antiseptic, local anaesthetic given, then a needle is guided into the abnormality and a sample taken. This is repeated 2-4 times until sufficient material is obtained for pathology. More than one sample is needed to avoid sampling error and ensure there is adequate tissue for the pathologist.
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How long does it take
Approx 30 minutes.
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After Your Examination
There can be some discomfort at the biopsy site but it is usually minor and resolves in 3-4 hours. Ice packs for 10 minutes each hour and simple analgesics such as paracetamol can be used if needed.
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Your report
You will be sent an account by the pathologist or sign an assignment form for the pathologist's fee for examining the specimen. The pathologist will send their report directly to your doctor within 2-3 days of the biopsy.
It is essential you see your doctor within a few days to get the biopsy result.
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Special precautions
In general, these are very safe techniques and have a very low complication rate. They are the safest way of obtaining a biopsy in most cases.
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Potential Complications | Lung Biopsies
Small air leaks are common from the puncture site and collect around the lung (pneumothorax). These resolve spontaneously over a few days. Rarely, air leakage will cause the lung to collapse and a chest drain may be inserted to drain out the air and allow the lung to re-expand.
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Potential Complications | Other Biopsies
Significant bleeding or infection can occur depending on the biopsy site but is rare.
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This content is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you would like any clarifications, please contact your local practice.