Needle Aspiration and Needle Biopsy Procedures

Abstract

Needle biopsy of the prostate, employing large "core" needles and performed via the transperineal or transrectal routes, is a well-established method for diagnosing prostatic malignancy. This procedure can be performed safely under local anesthesia in an outpatient setting. Rectal cleansing and prophylactic antibiotics have minimized infectious complications following transrectal biopsy, and it remains the favored technique in patients with small lesions. Repeat biopsy under anesthesia is indicated when the clinical suspicion of malignancy remains high despite negative biopsies. In contrast to "core" needle biopsy, which obtains a cylinder of tissue for histologic examination, the fine-needle biopsy obtains a specimen for cytologic examination. If cytologic expertise is unavailable locally, the specimen may be fixed in the office and shipped to a major medical center for interpretation. Fine-needle aspiration may be safely employed to biopsy the prostate, pelvic masses, and inguinal and pelvic lymph nodes. Biopsy of palpable masses can be done simply and safely with morbidity akin to venipuncture. Nonpalpable tissues may be biopsied under radiographic guidance. Fine-needle aspiration biopsy is safe and cost-effective, has resulted in a significant improvement in the accuracy of our clinical staging, and has spared many patients unnecessary surgical procedures.