Image-Guided Biopsies

Image-guided biopsies are one of modern medicine's most reliable diagnostic methods. A biopsy is the procedure of obtaining a small tissue sample from a suspicious mass or lesion in the body for pathological examination. However, at Dr. Atasoy Clinic, we view this procedure not merely as "sample taking" but as the most precise step leading to definitive diagnosis.
Advanced ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), MRI, and mammography-guided biopsies now enable diagnosis with high accuracy even from very small lesions.

What is Image-Guided Biopsy?

In traditional biopsy methods, the lesion's location was determined by palpation and the sample was obtained manually. However, today many tumors or nodules are located deep in tissues or are so small that they cannot be detected by palpation. This is where image-guided biopsy comes into play.
In this method, the target tissue is visualized clearly using ultrasound, tomography, or MRI devices and the needle is directed to the exact point with millimeter-level precision.
Thus, both safety and diagnostic accuracy reach maximum levels.

When Are They Performed?

Image-guided biopsies can be applied to many different organs and conditions. The most commonly referenced areas are:

• Breast masses and calcifications

• Thyroid nodules

• Liver, kidney, and lung masses

• Lymph nodes

• Soft tissue tumors

• Bone lesions

• Prostate or abdominal organs

At Dr. Atasoy Clinic, the most appropriate imaging method is selected individually for each patient. The goal is to obtain the most reliable results in the shortest time possible.

Types of Biopsies

Not every biopsy is performed with the same technique. Different biopsy methods are applied depending on the lesion's location, size, and structure.

1. Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsy (FNAB)

This method uses a very fine needle and cell samples are withdrawn from the tissue. It is generally preferred for thyroid nodules, lymph nodes, and breast cysts.
The advantage is that it is quick and minimally invasive. However, it requires experienced radiologist performance for diagnostic accuracy.

2. Tru-Cut (Core Needle) Biopsy

This method uses a special spring-loaded needle system. Tissue samples are obtained in "cylinder" form, which preserves cell architecture.
It is the most frequently preferred technique, particularly for breast, liver, and kidney lesions.
At Dr. Atasoy Clinic, these procedures are performed under ultrasound guidance with local anesthesia.

3. Vacuum Biopsy (VAB)

Vacuum biopsy, particularly in breast tissue, allows even very small lesions to be completely removed in a single session.
It is a type of "biopsy with treatment" method.
It can be applied for breast masses containing calcifications under stereotactic mammography or MR guidance.
Thanks to the vacuum system, both the sampling volume is greater and post-procedure bleeding and bruising are minimal.

4. CT or MR-Guided Biopsies

For deeply located organs (such as lung, liver, kidney, and bone), biopsy is performed under CT or MRI guidance so the lesion can be clearly visualized.
With this method, the needle's progress is monitored in real-time, ensuring error-free sampling.

How Is the Procedure Performed?

At Dr. Atasoy Clinic, biopsy procedures are performed under completely sterile conditions and local anesthesia.
The patient does not require general anesthesia. The procedure duration is typically 15-30 minutes.

1. The target lesion is clarified with an imaging device.

2. The appropriate needle type is selected.

3. The area is numbed with local anesthesia.

4. The fine needle is directed into the lesion under imaging guidance.

5. Tissue samples are obtained and sent to the pathology laboratory.

After the procedure, the patient is kept under observation for a short period and typically goes home the same day.

Precautions Before and After Biopsy

The patient may be asked to discontinue blood-thinning medications for several days before the biopsy.
For the first 24 hours after the procedure, heavy physical activity should be avoided.
There may be mild pain, bruising, or swelling at the biopsy site, but this resolves quickly on its own.
Infection risk is extremely low.
Pathology results typically come back within 3-5 business days and are evaluated in detail by the doctor.

Advantages

• Non-surgical: No surgical incisions are made.

• High accuracy rate: Millimeter-level targeting is achieved under imaging guidance.

• Quick and comfortable: No hospitalization is needed after the procedure.

• Cosmetically advantageous: No scars remain.

• Safe: Bleeding or complication risk is very low.

Biopsies performed at Dr. Atasoy Clinic are conducted in an extremely safe manner thanks to the latest equipment and our experienced interventional radiology team.
A personalized treatment approach is adopted for each patient; if necessary, biopsy plus lesion removal (e.g., vacuum method) can be performed in the same session.

Biopsy Experience at Dr. Atasoy Clinic

At our clinic, biopsy procedures are performed not only for diagnostic purposes but also with the patient's psychological comfort in mind.
The patient is informed in detail about each step of the procedure.
When results come back, the treatment plan is established by evaluating clinical and pathological data together.

Dr. Atasoy Clinic aims to be one of modern medicine's trusted centers by providing speed, accuracy, and patient satisfaction in the diagnostic process.