Percutaneous core needle biopsy under ultrasound guidance
Ultrasound-guided biopsy in Casablanca
An ultrasound-guided biopsy uses a needle to take small samples of a lesion seen on ultrasound, without X-rays. These samples are studied by the pathology laboratory (analysis of tissue under a microscope), which provides the result. It is offered when imaging alone cannot tell what the lesion is made of. The procedure is done under local anesthesia, and ultrasound makes it possible to follow the needle live all the way to the sampling.
Duration, report and equipment
Duration
The procedure most often takes 15 to 30 minutes.
Report turnaround
Report within 24 hours. In an emergency, during opening hours, the report is handed over immediately.
Contact the center
This exam is booked by phone or WhatsApp.
When is this exam needed?
- Breast nodule or mass.
- Enlarged lymph node, in the neck or armpit.
- Mass under the skin or lesion of an organ visible on ultrasound.
- Finding considered suspicious on imaging, which requires tissue analysis.
- Uncertain result from a previous fine-needle aspiration.
How the exam is done
Before starting, the radiologist reviews your exams, explains the procedure and obtains your consent. You are positioned, most often lying down, so that the area to be sampled is well exposed. The radiologist locates the lesion with the probe and disinfects the skin.
After local anesthesia, the radiologist guides the needle to the target; each sample makes a small click, which is usually not very painful. Several samples are collected, then compression and a dressing complete the procedure. The samples are placed in containers labeled with your name, then sent to the pathology laboratory. You may be offered a short rest before leaving.
Preparation
- Tell us when you book about any anticoagulant or antiplatelet medication. Never stop it on your own: the radiologist will tell you whether it needs to be adjusted, together with the doctor who prescribed it.
- Have the blood clotting test done if it has been prescribed for you.
- Wear loose clothing that makes it easy to uncover the area.
Fasting
No fasting in general: if your procedure requires it, the team will tell you when you book.
Contrast injection
No contrast agent is used, only a local anesthetic.
Contraindications and precautions
- Uncorrected bleeding disorder.
- Allergy to the local anesthetic, the disinfectant or latex.
- Skin infection at the needle insertion site.
- Fever or ongoing infection on the scheduled day: let us know before you come.
- Difficulty holding the position without moving: let us know in advance.
Documents to bring
- Doctor's prescription
- Imaging exams that showed the lesion
- Blood clotting test, if requested
- List of your medications
- Insurance or mutual insurance fund card
Price and insurance coverage
The center accepts coverage from insurance companies and the main mutual insurance funds. You submit the coverage request to your insurer or fund yourself. For AtlantaSanad and Sanlam, the center takes care of it.
No prices are shown on this site: Kenza gives you the exact price on WhatsApp, along with the coverage procedure for your situation.
Frequently asked questions
When will I get the result?
It comes from the pathology analysis of the samples. The time it takes depends on the laboratory, then your doctor explains the result to you.
What should I watch for afterwards?
A bruise is common. Contact the center or your doctor promptly in case of fever, persistent bleeding, swelling or increasing pain.
Do I need to sign a consent form?
Yes. The radiologist explains the procedure, its purpose and its risks, then asks for your written consent.
Why ultrasound rather than a CT scan?
It shows the lesion, the needle and the blood vessels live, without X-rays; lesions that cannot be seen on ultrasound are better suited to a CT scan.
Is an ultrasound-guided biopsy painful?
Thanks to the local anesthesia, you mainly feel pressure and the click of the needle. Mild discomfort may persist: paracetamol is usually enough. For the first 24 hours, do not take aspirin or anti-inflammatory drugs for pain, unless your doctor advises otherwise.
Can I resume my activities after the procedure?
Most often, yes. On the day of the procedure, avoid efforts that strain the sampled area and keep the dressing clean and dry.