IMAGE GUIDED BIOPSIES

An image-guided needle biopsy is a radiology test that is performed for the purpose of taking a tissue sample so that it can be examined by a pathologist.  Image-guided needle biopsies are performed by an interventional radiologist  who have had specialized training in the interpretation of imaging exams with additional training in the performance and interpretation of invasive procedures. Image-guided biopsies can be performed using CT scan, ultrasound, or fluoroscopy as a means to guide the physician in placing the needle into the correct position to yield the most accurate sampling of tissue. Sometimes a combination of these methods can be used for one biopsy. Most areas of the body can be biopsied, but the most common image-guided biopsies are breast, liver, lung, and thyroid. Using fiber optics, these image guided systems present clear, close-up views of the virtually any part of the body  from various perspectives without the need of exposing a large area of surrounding tissue to possible damage. Image Guided Biopsies are minimally invasive procedures that are guided by fluoroscopy, CT, ultrasound and MRI imaging have virtually replaced exploratory surgery of the chest, breast, abdomen, pelvis, and bone as the standard in medical diagnostics. These image-based procedures are anywhere from three to seven times more cost-effective, are less risky and require less recovery time than exploratory surgery (open surgical biopsies). See chart below for a quick comparison;

Image Guided Biopsies vs. Exploratory Surgery

Factor

Image

Guided

Biopsy

Surgical Biopsy

Type

Outpatient

 Inpatient

Cost

$-$$

$$$-$$$$$

Time

<1 hour

> 1 hour

Incision/Scar

None

2-5 inches

Recovery

< 1 day

 Up to 3 weeks

Complication Risk*

1 %

2 - 20%

*Source: "Diagnosis of Primary Bone Tumors with Image-Guided Percutaneous Biopsy: Experience with 110 Tumors," Jelinek et al., Radiology, June 2002, and "Image-Guided Bone Biopsy: Faster, Easier, Safer," RSNA, May 28, 2002.

X-Ray demonstrated benign cartilaginous lesion which most likely represents enchondroma.  Because of the patient's symptoms,

Image guided biopsy was performed to exclude malignancy. Biopsy was negative for malignancy. Six month follow up MRI of the lesion showed no interval change.
 

Exploratory Surgery is anywhere from three to seven times more costly than image guided biopsies. Image guided biopsies represent an important savings and efficiencies for patients and physicians. Among them: shorter procedure time, fewer infections, easier wound healing, and earlier start for treatment when disease is found.