Appraisal of Needle Biopsy

Abstract

If properly performed, needle biopsy is a useful diagnostic procedure which often is more advantageous than other biopsy methods. It is safe, expeditious and inexpensive. Needle biopsy consists of (1) aspiration of bits of tissue or of a core of tissue through the needle into the syringe or (2) cutting of a core of tissue which is withdrawn with the biopsy needle.

The author describes the means by which an adequate specimen can be procured, the contraindications and potential complications of needle biopsy, and the known problems relating to the use of this procedure at specific anatomic sites.