What is Soft Tissue Biopsy?

Soft Tissue Biopsy is a medical procedure used to diagnose abnormalities in soft tissues, such as muscles, fat, tendons, and ligaments. It involves taking a small sample of tissue to be examined under a microscope to check for conditions like infections, inflammation, or cancer.

Key Aspects of Soft Tissue Biopsy:

Why a Soft Tissue Biopsy is Done:

• • To evaluate lumps, masses, or abnormal areas in soft tissue that could be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous).
  • To diagnose conditions such as soft tissue sarcoma, infections, or inflammatory diseases.
  • It may be ordered after imaging studies (e.g., ultrasound, MRI, or CT scans) show abnormalities that need further investigation.

Types of Soft Tissue Biopsies:

• • Needle Biopsy (most common): Involves using a thin needle to extract a small sample of tissue.
    • Fine-Needle Aspiration (FNA): A very thin needle is used to extract fluid or a small number of cells.
    • Core Needle Biopsy: A slightly larger needle is used to remove a small core of tissue.
  • Incisional Biopsy: A small piece of the abnormal tissue is surgically removed for examination.
  • Excisional Biopsy: The entire lump or mass is removed for analysis.
  • Image-Guided Biopsy: Sometimes, ultrasound, CT, or MRI imaging is used to guide the needle to the exact location of the abnormal tissue, especially if the mass is deep or difficult to locate.

How the Procedure is Done:

• • Preparation: The biopsy area is cleaned, and local anesthesia is usually administered to numb the site.
  • Needle Biopsy:
    • A thin or core needle is inserted through the skin into the abnormal tissue.
    • A small tissue sample is withdrawn.
    • Ultrasound or other imaging techniques may be used to guide the needle to the correct location.
  • Surgical Biopsy:
    • For larger or harder-to-reach masses, a surgeon may make a small incision to remove a tissue sample.
    • General or local anesthesia may be used depending on the size and location of the mass.

What Happens to the Biopsy Sample:

• • The tissue sample is sent to a pathology lab, where it is examined under a microscope to identify the presence of cancer cells, infections, or other abnormalities.
  • Special tests, such as immunohistochemistry or genetic testing, may also be done to provide more detailed information about the condition.