Image-Guided Biopsies

While imaging tests such as MRI, CT and X-ray are able to detect abnormalities within the body, they cannot always distinguish cancerous cells from non-cancerous cells.

To confirm or rule out disease, a biopsy is typically performed. During a biopsy, a small sample of tissue from within the suspicious area is removed and sent to a laboratory for analysis.

Image-guided biopsies are used for patients who have been told they have a mass that is difficult to biopsy. Using diagnostic imaging, the interventional radiologist will guide the biopsy needle precisely where it needs to go to obtain a tissue sample. This can help to ensure an accurate diagnosis.