Biopsies
A biopsy is the removal of tissue from any part of the body to examine it for disease. Some may remove a small tissue sample with a needle while others may surgically remove a suspicious nodule or lump.
Learn More About Biopsies
Biopsies are performed in several different ways. Some biopsies involve removing a small amount of tissue with a needle while others involve surgically removing an entire lump, or nodule, that is suspicious.
Often, the tissue is removed by placing a needle through the skin (percutaneously) to the area of abnormality. Biopsies can be safely performed with imaging guidance such as ultrasound, x-ray, computed tomography (CT), or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). These types of imaging are used to determine exactly where to place the needle and perform the biopsy.
Our interventional department provides procedures that many times are routinely performed in a hospital setting. We offer these services in the outpatient setting with your comfort in mind.
Our dedicated registered nurses provide your physician easy access for scheduling of procedures. We strive to perform your procedure at the scheduled time and offer convenient, easy access to our facility and ample parking.
Your physician’s office should contact one of our registered nurses to schedule your procedure. We will then contact you, schedule your appointment, and give you pre-procedure instructions.
Most needle biopsies are performed in an outpatient setting with minimal preparation. When you schedule your biopsy appointment, you will receive detailed instructions about preparation for the biopsy procedure.
If you are having a needle or surgical biopsy, ask your health care provider if you need to stop taking any medications before the procedure.
After your procedure, a nurse will provide you with instructions prior to leaving our facility. It is always recommended that you have someone accompany you for your procedure that will be able to drive you home.
Biopsy samples are sent to a pathologist, who will analyze and provide your physician and Radiology Associates with a diagnosis. You will be notified of results within several days of your biopsy appointment.
Typically your referring physician will schedule an appointment for you. If you have been asked to schedule the appointment yourself, please have your physician’s order and any pre-authorization information required by your insurance or health plan provider in hand, and call 850-878-4127.
What happens during your procedure can vary considerably depending on the procedure being performed and your specific circumstances. Prior to your procedure, we will explain in detail what to expect. If you have any questions, please call our office and we will be happy to review your procedure.
Interventional Radiology is an area of radiology that specializes in performing minimally invasive, image-guided procedures. Many of these procedures have become the treatment of choice in many cases because they offer lower risk, less pain, and shorter recovery time compared to traditional surgical techniques.
For more information on this and other radiology procedures, please visit www.radiologyinfo.org.