$Unique_ID{BRK00529}
$Pretitle{Special Procedures and Laboratory Tests}
$Title{Mislead by Needle Biopsy of the Thyroid Gland?}
$Subject{thyroid biopsy needle aspiration}
$Volume{P-22}
$Log{
Aspirational Biopsy*0001905.scf
Abrasion Biopsy (Pap Spear)*0001901.scf
Exisional Biopsy*0001902.scf
Incisional Biopsy*0001903.scf
Punch Biopsy*0001904.scf}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Mislead by Needle Biopsy of the Thyroid Gland?


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QUESTION:  A friend of mine told me of a recent experience with her physician
during which he performed a biopsy using a needle which he injected into her
thyroid gland.  She was happy that no cancer was found.  I know that a biopsy
requires the doctor to cut some tissue, to obtain a sample for testing.  How
do I tell my friend that she has been mislead?

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ANSWER:  You don't have to because she hasn't.  In essence, her story is
completely understandable when you realize that all biopsies do not require
removing tissue by surgical techniques.  The object of course is to obtain
cell specimens that may be examined under a microscope, searching for signs of
abnormal growth that signal the presence of cancer.  In some cases these cells
may occur in urine and sputum, or be obtained by scraping (for example, the
technique used for a Pap smear).  When cancer is suspected in the bronchial
tubes, a technique known as "washing" is used to gather material for
examination.  While the most common use of the word "biopsy" relates to
obtaining specimens by excision, the process of may also apply to the method
used by your friend's physician.  It is called "Aspiration Biopsy" and is
frequently used to search for cancer in the thyroid.  In this technique, the
physician inserts a fine needle in to the mass, and rather than injecting
anything, applies suction through the syringe, while moving the needle back
and forth in the suspicious mass.  In this way cells are loosened and sucked
back into needle.  This material may then be used to prepare a slide for
microscopic examination.  While the number of cells are few, an accurate
diagnosis can be made in most cases.  The procedure is rapid, safe and does
not leave a scar.  If necessary it may be easily repeated as it does not
require hospitalization or special equipment.  You can now relax and be
confident that the good news your friend received from her doctor was valid.
ÿ
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
