Näytebiopsia

Näytebiopsia (literally “sample biopsy”) is a diagnostic procedure in which a small portion of tissue is removed for microscopic examination. The term is commonly used in Finnish pathology and medical practice to refer specifically to core needle biopsies or other minimally invasive methods that provide a representative tissue sample.

The procedure is typically performed with local anesthesia under imaging guidance, most frequently ultrasound or computed tomography. A needle or fine‑needle aspiration device extracts a core of tissue or cellular material, which is then fixed in formalin, embedded in paraffin, sectioned, and stained. Histological evaluation may be supplemented by immunohistochemistry, molecular testing, or cytopathological techniques.

Indications for näytebiopsia include evaluation of solid organ masses (such as liver, kidney, or breast), lymph node enlargement, bone lesions, or suspicious skin or soft‑tissue tumors. The technique allows rapid diagnosis, guides treatment planning, and often reduces the need for more invasive surgical procedures.

Risks are generally low but can include bleeding, infection, or injury to adjacent structures. Scar tissue formation may occur if the lesion is repeatedly sampled, potentially compromising subsequent treatments. Samples may sometimes be insufficient for diagnosis; in such cases larger or multiple cores or a switch to an excisional biopsy may be necessary.

In summary, näytebiopsia is a cornerstone of modern diagnostic pathology, offering a balance between diagnostic yield and patient safety.