What is an image-guided biopsy of my body?

Fortunately for us, we live in modern times.  Gone are the days of our own bodies "telling" us that something is wrong (with breathing issues, pain, pressure, lumps and bumps)-- often, this is too late and treatment options are limited.  With the advancement of our radiological imaging such as ultrasound, CAT scans, and MRIs, we are able to detect small problems in your body long before our own nerves and "sensors" would realize it.  Once we find the spots or "lesions", we need to find out exactly what is going on with those small cells and make sure they are not pre-cancerous or cancerous ones.  In order to accomplish this, we need to grab a tiny sample of the tissue and look at it under a microscope.

Most biopsies in the past had to be accomplished with major, open surgical procedures.  This is no longer the case.  Drs. Dunfee and Kennedy are able to biopsy nearly 98% of the regions in your body where the abnormal spots may form-- all with a tiny pin-prick through your skin.  These procedures are painless, fast, and performed as an outpatient.  Nothing to be nervous about!  We offer moderate or "twilight" sedation with most biopsies so you won't even remember the procedure.

Does it really matter who performs my biopsy?

Absolutely YES.  Although the procedures seem minor, they are still considered surgery and complications can happen if performed by inexperienced or untrained physicians.  Additionally, if the correct area is poorly sampled or not sampled at all, you may have to have the procedure repeated.  Worse yet, a biopsy could mistakenly be performed on normal tissue giving you a false "clean bill of health."  

Just remember that you are the patient, it's your body, and it's your health.  You have the right to choose who performs your biopsy.  Don't settle for anything less in this very important procedure.

What type of biopsies might I need to have performed?

Various areas in your body may need a biopsy-- including your lungs, liver, pancreas, kidneys, spleen, lymph nodes, bones, and muscle.  If we can visualize the spot on our advanced imaging techniques, then we will be able to obtained a small sample of it.