Precautions
This procedure involves the patient being placed into the CT scanner, typically a small, enclosed area. Depending on the specific type of biopsies being performed, certain anesthetics will be used, so discuss drug allergies with your physician and nurse. Also, discuss other medical problems such as diabetes, seizures, or blood thinner medications.

We also use local anesthesia (like Novocaine at the dentist) for all biopsies. In certain situations we will administer sedation to make you sleepy during the test. You will not be completely asleep for the test.

Preparation for Procedure
CT Patient Preparation

• Do not eat or drink after midnight prior to the exam, except for medication with small amounts of water.
• Always bring any routine medications you may need to take post-procedure.
• You may be asked to arrive an hour before the procedure to complete necessary medical information and receive sedation.
• Always bring a driver with you.
• The actual procedure is approximately one hour in length.
• You may be asked to stay in the radiology recovery area for observation after the procedure as needed to ensure that you have tolerated the procedure well.

Description of Procedure
CT can assist in providing more enhanced images of a suspicious lesion. It helps to determine whether a tumor is truly solitary or not. CT can characterize the tumor and aid in the estimation of malignancy.

In this event, your radiologist must first obtain your informed consent and fully explain the procedure, alternatives, and risks. Needle biopsies generally proceed as follows:

• You will be asked to lie on a table, which will gradually move within a doughnut-shaped scanner. The scanner takes specialized X-rays through your body that can help generate high-resolution images that each look like a "slice" of your body.
• The overlying skin is cleaned and covered with a sterile drape.
• Local anesthetic (lidocaine) is injected into the skin and underlying tissues to create a "numb" spot.
• A guide needle is placed into the targeted tissue.
• CT is used to confirm the needle placement and any required adjustments are made.
• Biopsy specimens are obtained. Five or more specimens are taken using a needle that is smaller than the guide needle.
• In some instances, pathology doctors may be present to examine tissue and determine when the samples are sufficient.
• The tissue specimens are sent for examination by pathologists who will send a report to your doctor. You should always make sure you find out the results of any biopsy or exam. Don’t assume everything is O.K. if you don’t hear from your doctor. The results may take 3-5 days.

Risks

• You will be given discharge instructions to follow. Instructions depend on the site and type of biopsy performed.
• Risks for the procedure include infection, nerve damage, and bleeding. Other risks occur depending on the site of biopsy.

If you think you might have a problem or complication from a biopsy call us. We want to hear from you so we can help you.

For more information contact (501)686-5751.

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