BIOPSY TECHNIQUES Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) An office procedure in which a needle on the end of a syringe is passed in and out of an abnormal area while negative pressure is applied to the syringe to create suction.  This samples individual cells that can then be placed on a slide to be viewed by a pathologist.  Interpretation of this type of biopsy is referred to as a cytology report as it can only look at cells, unlike a biopsy that can look at a piece of tissue with its surrounding structures such as a percutaneous biopsy.  This circumstance can make it difficult to make exact diagnoses after the sampling. Percutaneous Biopsy (Core Biopsy) This technique involves the sampling of the tumor with the use of a special device that passes a small needle into the abnormality.  This technique can be employed when the doctor can feel the mass such that x-ray guidance is not needed.  If the lesion is too small to be felt, the same device may be used with the aid of x-ray guidance. Vacuum Assisted Biopsy This biopsy technique uses a device that obtains the samples through the aid of a suction mechanism.  Unlike the percutaneous biopsy device, this instrument can be placed in the area of the abnormality, without repeated removal and replacement, to sequentially sample the area.  The vacuum suction element allows each specimen to be collected into a receptacle.  This device can be used with x-ray guidance as well. Stereotactic Biopsy This biopsy technique involves x-ray guidance to sample abnormalities that can be seen on the mammogram, but are too small to be felt.  Most commonly, it involves an individual lying on ones stomach with the breast placed into compression like a mammogram.  A biopsy device, such as the vacuum assisted biopsy equipment, can then be used to sample the area. Ultrasound Guided Biopsy This biopsy technique again employs a biopsy device to sample a lesion with the help of ultrasound guidance. MRI Guided Biopsy This biopsy technique employs a biopsy device to sample abnormal areas which may only be seen by MRI. .