What is a Core Needle Biopsy?
A
core needle biopsy (CNB) is a medical procedure used to obtain a tissue sample from a suspicious area for histological examination. It involves the use of a hollow needle to extract a core of tissue, which is then analyzed under a microscope to diagnose diseases, such as
cancer or infections.
Why is CNB Important in Histology?
Histology is the study of the microscopic structure of tissues. CNB provides a minimally invasive method to obtain tissue samples, which are crucial for accurate histological analysis. This technique helps in the diagnosis, staging, and management of various conditions, particularly malignancies.
Local anesthesia is administered to numb the area.
A small incision is made to facilitate needle entry.
The core needle is inserted into the targeted tissue using imaging guidance such as
ultrasound or
CT scan.
Tissue cores are extracted and preserved for histological examination.
Tru-cut needles
Biopsy guns
Automated biopsy devices
Fixation: The sample is preserved using
formalin to prevent degradation.
Embedding: The tissue is embedded in paraffin wax to facilitate cutting thin sections.
Sectioning: Thin sections of the tissue are cut using a
microtome.
Staining: The sections are stained with dyes like
hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) to highlight different cellular components.
Microscopic Examination: The stained sections are examined under a microscope by a
pathologist to make a diagnosis.
Minimally invasive with lower risk compared to surgical biopsies.
Provides a larger sample compared to
fine-needle aspiration (FNA), allowing for more detailed histological analysis.
Can be performed on an outpatient basis, reducing hospital stay.
Bleeding at the biopsy site
Infection
Pain or discomfort
Hematoma formation
Breast cancer
Liver diseases
Prostate cancer
Lung nodules
Lymphomas
How Does CNB Compare to Other Biopsy Methods?
Compared to other biopsy techniques, CNB provides a balance between sample size and invasiveness. While
excisional biopsy offers a larger sample, it is more invasive. Conversely, FNA is less invasive but may not provide sufficient tissue for comprehensive histological analysis.
Conclusion
Core needle biopsy is a critical tool in the field of histology, offering a minimally invasive means to obtain tissue samples for the diagnosis and management of various diseases. Its ability to provide adequate tissue for detailed histological examination makes it a valuable procedure in modern medicine.
