The most critical step in disease treatment is making the correct diagnosis. The most reliable way to understand the nature of a suspicious mass detected in any part of our body—that is, to distinguish whether it is benign or malignant (cancer)—is biopsy. While biopsies were previously usually performed with large surgical cuts, today we can make "precision" diagnoses with the opportunities provided by interventional radiology.

Imaging-Guided Biopsy is the procedure of taking a tissue sample from suspicious tissue with just a needle. The biggest aid during this procedure is advanced imaging equipment that allows us to monitor the needle tip with millimetric precision.

Why "Imaging-Guided" Biopsy?

In older methods, biopsies were usually performed blindly (by feel). However, this could lead to the needle missing the target, damaging adjacent vessels or nerves, and most importantly, "false negative" results (obtaining samples from healthy tissue when a tumor was present).

Advantages of biopsies we perform under imaging guidance (Ultrasound, CT, or Fluoroscopy):

• Perfect Accuracy: Ensures tissue sample is taken from the most vital, most informative point of the suspicious mass.

• Maximum Safety: Because the path of the needle through vessels, nerves, and vital organs is monitored in real time, the risk of injury is minimal.

• No Need for Repetition: Diagnostic success exceeds 95% because adequate samples are taken from the correct point.

Most Commonly Performed Biopsy Types

We use different specially designed needles and techniques suitable for each area of the body:

1. Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsy (FNAB)

Generally preferred in superficial tissues such as thyroid nodules and lymph nodes. Samples are collected at the cellular level with the help of a syringe. It is a painless and very fast procedure.

2. Thick Needle (Tru-cut / Core) Biopsy

Used in masses in organs such as breast, liver, kidney, and lung. In this method, not just cells but tissue samples are taken. This method provides the most comprehensive information for pathological examination to determine cancer subtypes and treatment response.

3. Bone Biopsies

Because bone tissue is hard, special, durable systems are used and generally performed under Computed Tomography (CT) guidance. It is indispensable in diagnosing bone metastases or primary bone tumors.

Procedure: What Awaits You?

Getting a biopsy is a stressful process for many patients. However, the procedure at our clinic is a comfortable process slightly longer than a blood draw:

• Preparation: You may need to stop blood-thinning medications under your doctor's supervision before the procedure.

• Local Anesthesia: The area where entry will be made is numbed. During the procedure, there is no "painful" situation; you may only feel slight pressure.

• Entry and Sampling: The mass is reached with a needle under ultrasound or CT guidance. The procedure is generally completed within 15-20 minutes.

• Afterward: No stitches are needed when the procedure is complete; just a small bandage is applied. Our patients generally return to normal daily activities after 30-60 minutes of observation.

Common Misconceptions About Biopsy

One of the most common concerns we encounter is: "If a biopsy is done, will the cancer spread?" Doctor's Note: In modern medical literature and studies conducted on millions of cases, there is no evidence-based data that needle biopsy causes cancer spread. On the contrary, the risk of spread is much higher for a cancer whose diagnosis is delayed because biopsy was not performed. Biopsy is the safest guide that draws the roadmap for treatment.

Conclusion: Definitive Diagnosis, Correct Treatment

Uncertainty is always frightening. Rather than fearing a mass in your body, learning what it is in the safest and fastest way is the best thing you can do for your health. With our interventional radiology unit, using our advanced technology equipment, we provide light for your treatment process by taking biopsies painlessly and safely even from the most difficult-to-reach areas.

You can contact us for the most reliable results during your diagnostic process.