What is MRI guided Biopsy?
MRI guided biopsy is the process of collecting tissue samples using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technology as a guiding tool. MRI technology uses a combination of magnetic field and radio waves to scan the area of the body where biopsy is required. Using a real-time guidance tool like MRI, doctors can get any precise location to perform this diagnostic process. It also improves the efficiency of the biopsy procedure. In most cases, biopsy procedures of breasts mainly uses MRI as a guidance tool. This procedure is performed for patients having lesions in or around their breasts.
Procedure for MRI Guided Biopsy
You will be given a hospital gown to change before entering the room where the procedure is to be performed. Ensure you remove everything you are wearing, such as your watch, earrings, neck pieces and other accessories before the procedure begins. You will be injected with local anesthesia around the area of your skin where biopsy will be carried out. In some MRI procedures, nurses will creat intravenous line on one of your arm to inject contrast media into your system.
You have to lie down on your stomach for the biopsy procedure. Your breast will be placed in a cushioned section of the MRI table where you are lying down. This cushioned opening has a specially designed breast-scanning coil. With the help of a computer screen, your radiologist will locate the site of lesion present. Depth of the lesion, size and location is noted. A small marking is made on the skin of the patient where biopsy is required.
After getting a precise location of the lesion, a small incision will be made around the markings. A tiny needle will be inserted through this incision. With the help of MRI scanning, this needle will be guided to the necessary section. Tissue samples will be collected from that section and sent to the laboratories for further analysis. If patients require a series of biopsies or scanning sessions for the same health problem, your radiologist will place a tiny clip at the biopsy site. This step makes it easier for your radiologist to locate this site in the future scanning procedures.
Incisions will be sutured and stitched. Nurses will bandage your wounds and apply an ice pack over it after the bleeding stops. Ice packs reduce swelling around your surgical section.
MRI guided biopsy program requires around 45 to 60 minutes for its completion. MRI imaging requires more time than the biopsy procedure.
Advantages of MRI guided Biopsy
MRI guided biopsy has the following advantages:
- It results in comparatively less tissue damage than a conventional surgical biopsy process
- It is a minimally invasive process, resulting into faster recovery
- Requires less time for its completion
- Less painful and more effective in sample collection
- Cost is less
[*Useful: MRI Scan Cost in India]
The article encloses details about MRI guided biopsy and its working. MRI guided biopsy can be useful for many interventional as well as radiology procedures. Also learn about the advantages of this biopsy procedure that includes real time imaging systems that help doctors and patients to understand about their medical procedure in a better way.