Why it's done

Your doctor may suggest a needle biopsy to help diagnose a medical condition or to rule out a disease or condition.

The sample from your needle biopsy may help your doctor determine what's causing:

• A mass or lump. A needle biopsy may reveal whether a mass or lump is a cyst, an infection, a benign tumor or cancer.
• An infection. Analysis from a needle biopsy can help doctors determine what germs are causing an infection so that your doctor can choose the most effective medications.
• Inflammation. A needle biopsy sample may reveal what's causing inflammation, and what types of cells are involved.

You may also undergo imaging tests, such as a computerized tomography (CT) scan or an ultrasound, before your needle biopsy. Sometimes these tests are used during the needle biopsy procedure to more accurately locate the area to be biopsied.