Ultrasound guided Biopsy Test: Cost, Procedure and Risks

A USG / CT- Biopsy / FNAC is an image-guided procedure where a needle is placed into the area of interest/tumor/collection under direct scan visualization, and the representative sample is taken for tests. It's commonly used to check for diseases like cancer. The procedure is safe, minimally invasive, and typically done under local anesthesia. Results are usually available within a few days. Costs can vary depending on the hospital, type of biopsy, and location.

What Is an Ultrasound-Guided Biopsy?

An ultrasound-guided biopsy is a diagnostic procedure where a doctor uses ultrasound imaging to guide a thin needle directly into a suspicious lump, mass, or abnormal tissue.

Ultrasound helps the doctor see the exact location of the abnormality in real time. Once the needle is in the right place, a small tissue sample is collected for laboratory testing.

This method improves the accuracy of the biopsy and reduces the risk of complications. It's commonly used for biopsies of the breast, thyroid, liver, lymph nodes, and other soft tissues.

Various USG Guided Biopsies / Aspirations / FNAC / Drains

The most common ultrasound biopsy procedures are of:

  • Lymph nodes
  • Breasts
  • Liver
  • Thyroid
  • Chest wall
  • Pleural fluid from lungs
  • Abdominal fluids
  • Abnormal collections

CT Guided Procedures of

  • Bone / spine
  • Lung mass
  • Deep critical lesions
  • Radiofrequency ablation / Microwave ablation
  • Drains

Advantages Of Guided Procedures

  • Direct live visualization
  • Error free
  • Less /no pain
  • Avoiding multiple pricks
  • Accurate
  • Quick and safe
  • Least complications / highly Successful
  • No hospitalization / OP basis

How Should I Prepare for an Ultrasound-Guided Biopsy?

  • We only need 2-3 hours of fasting / sometimes fasting is not required before you visit the center.
  • No special dietary preparation is required.
  • If you are regularly taking any blood thinning medication, you may be asked to stop for a couple of days before the procedure(especially blood thinners such as Aspirin, Warfarin, Clexane).
  • CBP, PT INR (Blood tests)

What to wear for a guided procedure?

You may need to change into a disposable gown, so you should try and wear something that is comfortable and easy to remove. It is recommended to remove any jewelry.

How Long Does an Ultrasound-Guided Biopsy Take?

The procedure will take between 20 to 45 minutes depending on the procedure.

How Is an Ultrasound-guided Biopsy procedure Performed?

  • You will be lying down on an examination table and a local anesthetic will be administered. You will be awake for the entire procedure.
  • USG:Lesion is localized and a needle will be inserted after anesthesia. The needle will be carefully inserted and a tissue sample will be collected, several samples may be required. The entire process will be guided by ultrasound imaging.
  • CT:Here the lesion is localized using CT scan and needle is placed, adjusted and confirmed on repeating short scans and sample is collected.

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Is an Ultrasound-Guided Biopsy Painful?

Good local anesthesia will be given so that it is totally pain free or to the maximum you feel it like an injection experience as like taking a normal injection on the shoulder.

Post procedure Instructions

  • After the procedure, a dressing is applied. And put under observation for 30-60 min. An analgesic such as ultracet / combiflam may be taken for a day or two if there is any pain.
  • If you experience any symptoms you are concerned about, see your doctor immediately.

Are There Any Risks or Side Effects of an Ultrasound-Guided Biopsy?

An ultrasound guided biopsy is generally safe, There is 2 - 5% risk of bleeding / pneumothorax, patient condition & cooperation, critical location of lesions or medications which may impact the biopsy or the results. But minor risks include:

  • Mild pain or tenderness at the biopsy site
  • Minor bruising or swelling
  • Bleeding at the puncture site (rare)
  • Infection (rare)
  • In very rare cases, if deeper organs are involved, more serious complications may occur, though this is uncommon.

Why Is the Ultrasound-Guided Biopsy Done?

An ultrasound-guided biopsy is typically done to diagnose conditions such as cancer, infections, or inflammatory diseases. It helps doctors get a closer look at abnormal growths or lumps inside the body. The biopsy can help:

  • Identifying cancerous or non-cancerous growths.
  • Determine the cause of unexplained lumps or masses.
  • Diagnose infections or other diseases that affect specific organs like the liver, kidney, or thyroid.

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When Is an Ultrasound-Guided Biopsy Needed?

Your doctor may suggest an ultrasound-guided biopsy if:

  • An abnormal lump, mass, or growth is detected during an ultrasound examination.
  • Blood tests or imaging scans indicate a potential problem that requires more detailed evaluation.
  • There's a need to confirm a diagnosis, such as cancer or infection.

Who Should Have an Ultrasound-Guided Biopsy?

Ultrasound-guided biopsy may be needed for individuals with:

  • Abnormal masses or tumors detected in imaging scans like ultrasound, CT, or MRI.
  • Unexplained lumps in areas like the breast, liver, or thyroid.
  • People with a personal or family history of cancer.
  • Individuals being monitored for existing cysts or nodules.
  • Patients requiring confirmation of a diagnosis before starting treatment.

What Type of Sample Is Collected for an Ultrasound-Guided Biopsy and How?

During the biopsy:

  • A small piece of tissue is collected using a thin needle (fine-needle aspiration) or a slightly thicker needle (core needle biopsy).
  • The doctor uses ultrasound images on a screen to guide the needle precisely to the right spot.
  • The sample is then sent to a lab for analysis under a microscope.

Are There Other Ways to Collect a Sample Instead of Ultrasound Guidance?

Yes, other imaging methods like CT scan or MRI may guide biopsies if ultrasound isn't suitable. However, ultrasound is preferred because it's quick, non-invasive, radiation-free, and gives real-time images.

When Will I Get My Ultrasound-Guided Biopsy Results?

After the biopsy, the tissue sample will be sent to a laboratory for analysis.This can take anywhere from a 12 to 24 hours, depending on the complexity of the test. Reports are sent directly to you via WhatsApp or as a printed copy. Your doctor will share the results with you during a follow-up appointment or through an online portal.

How Do I Understand My Ultrasound-Guided Biopsy Results?

  • Benign: The sample shows non-cancerous tissue. Usually, no additional treatment is required apart from routine monitoring.
  • Malignant: Cancerous cells are detected. Your doctor will discuss the available treatment options with you.
  • Inconclusive: The sample may not provide a definitive result. In such cases, a repeat biopsy or additional testing might be necessary.

Your doctor will review your biopsy results with you and recommend the appropriate next steps based on your specific situation.

What Should I Do After the Biopsy?

  • Rest: You may need to rest for a short period after the procedure.
  • Follow-up Care: Your doctor may give you instructions to help reduce discomfort and monitor for any signs of infection.
  • Pain Management: You may experience mild pain orsoreness at the biopsy site. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help, but always follow your doctor's advice.

What Factors Affect the Cost of Ultrasound-Guided Biopsy?

The cost of an Ultrasound Guided Biopsy is determined by:

  • The specific type of biopsy being performed (such as liver, kidney, breast, etc.).
  • The expertise and specialization of the performing physician.
  • The hospital's location and its pricing structure.
  • Charges related to the use of ultrasound imaging and laboratory services.
  • Costs associated with any necessary follow-up consultations to review the results.

How Much Does the Ultrasound-Guided Biopsy Cost in India?

The cost of an ultrasound-guided biopsy in India can differ based on various factors, including the healthcare facility, location, type of biopsy, and the complexity of the procedure. For accurate and up-to-date pricing, it is advisable to consult a trusted healthcare provider like Medicover Hospitals.

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Frequently Asked Questions

An ultrasound-guided biopsy is highly accurate, with an accuracy rate of 95-98% for detecting abnormalities in soft tissues like the breast or liver. It helps target specific areas for tissue collection.

The cost of an ultrasound-guided biopsy varies by location, facility, and insurance coverage, but it's generally more affordable compared to other biopsy types (e.g., CT-guided biopsy), especially in outpatient settings.

A CT-guided biopsy uses CT scans for precise targeting of deeper structures, while an ultrasound-guided biopsy uses real-time ultrasound imaging, making it ideal for superficial structures like the breast or thyroid.

Yes, ultrasound is considered 100% safe as it uses sound waves and does not involve radiation. It's non-invasive and poses no known risks to patients during imaging or biopsy procedures.

An ultrasound-guided biopsy is used to obtain tissue samples from suspicious areas detected via ultrasound imaging. It helps diagnose conditions such as cancer, infections, or inflammatory diseases.

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