CORE biopsy

What are puncture and CORE biopsy?

Puncture and CORE biopsy are minimally invasive diagnostic procedures used to obtain a sample of cells or tissue from a suspicious lesion in order to perform cytological or histological analyses, depending on the physician’s clinical assessment.

• Puncture (cytopuncture) – a smaller amount of cells is taken with a thin needle, and the sample is analyzed cytologically.
• CORE biopsy – a cylinder of tissue is taken with a thicker needle, allowing detailed histological analysis and a more precise diagnosis.

When are puncture or CORE biopsy used?

These procedures are used when imaging examinations reveal a lesion that requires further evaluation, most often after:

• ultrasound (US)
• mammography or tomosynthesis
• magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

How are puncture and CORE biopsy performed?

The procedures are performed under the guidance of the imaging method in which the lesion is least visible, which enables high precision and safety.

Most common guidance methods:

• US-guided biopsy – the most common and simplest approach
• MRI-guided biopsy – for lesions visible exclusively on MRI
• Stereotactic biopsy (mammography / tomosynthesis) – most commonly for breast microcalcifications

How is puncture performed?
Punctures are also performed under imaging guidance, most often with ultrasound (US). They are done with a thin needle, quickly and with minimal discomfort, and the sample is sent for cytological analysis.

Are the procedures painful?
The procedures are short and well tolerated, performed under local anesthesia (especially CORE biopsy), and most patients feel only mild discomfort.

Why are puncture and CORE biopsy important?

• they enable a quick and accurate diagnosis
• they avoid unnecessary surgical procedures
• they are key in the early detection of malignant diseases
• they help in making decisions about further treatment