Kernbiopsie

Kernbiopsie, or core needle biopsy, is a percutaneous diagnostic procedure in which a hollow needle is used to obtain a small cylinder of tissue (a core) from an organ or lesion for histopathological examination. The technique preserves tissue architecture, allowing assessment of cellular morphology and tissue organization, which can aid in diagnosing cancer, inflammatory diseases, and other pathology. It is distinct from fine-needle aspiration, which retrieves only individual cells.

Procedure: Typically performed under local anesthesia with imaging guidance, most often ultrasound or computed tomography. A small skin incision is made, the needle is advanced into the target, and a spring-loaded mechanism retrieves one or more tissue cores, usually 1–2 cm long. The number of cores depends on lesion size and suspected diagnosis. After the procedure, the patient is monitored for several hours for bleeding or other complications, and activity may be restricted for a short period.

Indications: Evaluation of focal lesions in organs such as the liver, kidney, breast, or prostate; confirmation of suspected malignancy; grading and staging of tumors; assessment of inflammatory or fibrotic diseases; and characterization of unknown masses.

Risks and contraindications: Common risks include bleeding, infection, pain, and injury to adjacent structures. Contraindications include uncorrected bleeding disorders, severe hypertension, pregnancy (depending on site), and inability to cooperate with the procedure. Some patients may require post-biopsy imaging to exclude complications.

Results: Tissue cores are examined by a pathologist to provide a histological diagnosis. The result can influence treatment plans; occasionally the sample is non-diagnostic, necessitating repeat biopsy or alternative investigations.

Alternatives: Fine-needle aspiration, vacuum-assisted biopsy, or surgical biopsy, depending on location and clinical question.