Biopsy

Subspecialty Trained Radiologists in New York and Long Island

Biopsy at ZP

A biopsy is a diagnostic procedure in which a sample of living tissue is removed with a tiny needle to be examined by a pathologist, a doctor specially trained in tissue identification. The sample of tissue is usually examined under a microscope to determine if it is healthy or if it shows any kind of disease or abnormality.

In many cases, the use of medical imaging such as MRI, mammography, ultrasound, and CT is used to guide the doctor in performing the biopsy to help pinpoint the tissue, organ or bone under observation.

We provide biopsy procedures for a number of organs including liver, thyroid, and breast.

Different types of biopsies

Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsy

A fine needle aspiration biopsy is the simplest biopsy. It uses an extremely thin needle – thinner than the ones used for blood tests. Because the needle is so fine, this procedure is relatively painless. The physician inserts the needle into the lump and draws out fluid or a tissue sample. If clear fluid comes out, the lump is more likely to be a benign cyst rather than cancer. A pathologist will examine the fluid or tissue sample under a microscope to determine if cancer is present.

Core Needle Biopsy

A core needle biopsy uses a somewhat larger, hollow needle to remove tiny cylinders (cores) of tissue from the suspicious area. Core needle biopsies usually require a local anesthetic for your comfort. The needle is inserted a few times to obtain samples. While this procedure takes longer than a fine needle aspiration biopsy, it is more likely to give a definitive result because more samples of tissue were checked.

Why Are Biopsies Done?

To Examine Tissue for Disease

To Diagnose Cancer

To Help Identify Other Conditions, like Infections and Autoimmune Disorders

A Biopsy Overview

A biopsy is a procedure that removes cells or tissues from your body. A pathologist then looks at these cells or tissues under a microscope to check for damage or disease. The pathologist may also do other tests on the sample. Biopsies can be done on all parts of the body. In most cases, a biopsy is the only test that can tell for sure if a suspicious area is cancer. Biopsies are performed for many other reasons as well.

Locate Biopsy Near You

Biopsies are performed in many areas of the body and for many reasons. Some of those areas and reasons include:

Abdominal Biopsy - Used to diagnose whether a lump in the abdomen is cancerous or benign. The lumps can be located in the fat, deep within the abdomen.
Bone Biopsy - Used to diagnose cancer or infection in the bones.
Breast Biopsy - Used to determine if a lump in the breast is cancerous or benign.
Liver Biopsy - Used to diagnose diseases of the liver, such as hepatitis, C, cirrhosis, infections, and cancer.

How To Prepare for Your Biopsy

Do not take aspirin, ibuprofen, Advil, Motrin, or Aleve for one week prior to your appointment
If you take Coumadin, Plavix, or any other blood thinners, you must get approval from your doctor to stop the medication one week prior to your biopsy.
Avoid fish oil and high doses of vitamins (except for prenatal vitamins).

Biopsy Patient Testimonials

I had mammograms at your office (Plainview) in November and December, and was diagnosed with DCIS (ductal carcinoma in situ). My surgeon at North Shore University Hospital was extremely impressed by the work performed by Dr. Kremer.

She indicated that due to the very small size, this was a tumor that could have been missed. She said I was lucky to have received such thorough and exacting work on behalf of Dr. Kremer. Undiagnosed, it would have continued to grow and probably not have been found for another year.

I deeply appreciate the early diagnosis and professionalism of Dr. Kremer. I was lucky to be the benefactor of his expert work.

Most sincerely, LSC

I tender this letter today to recognize a particular member of your staff whose diligence and aggressiveness made the paramount difference in discerning a suspicious area on my mammogram in September. Dr. Syma Baran invested the vital time in reviewing all the evidence at hand, to pick up on an area of concern at a remarkably early stage.

In today’s world of medicine, where the tug-of-war ensues between insurance companies and doctors, it translates to a scenario of quantity over quality. Thank heaven Dr. Baran abides by her conscience and the Hippocratic Oath to treat each patient as she would like her own family to be treated. Clearly, a rare and commendable trait. She is a credit to your practice, the medical field, and the human race. I can only hope the bureaucracy never compromises her principles.

On a personal basis, this early detection could have been the difference between life and death from this disease. I implore the medical and insurance communities to make an investment in the valuable asset of time allotment and less dallying in the tedium of bureaucratic red tape. The future of the human race depends on it.

Sincerely, CZ

What Happens After the Exam?

After the tissue is collected, it is sent to a laboratory for analysis. A pathologist will examine the biopsy tissue under a microscope. A full report from the pathologist will be sent to your doctor in a few days, and you can ask them how you will be receiving the results. Your interventional radiologist may recommend a follow-up visit, which may include a physical check-up, imaging exams, and blood tests. If you would like to learn more about the biopsy procedure, give our radiologists a call!