Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Needle-core biopsy vs surgical biopsy for lumps in pets
By Aitken, M L & Patnaik, A K·Published in Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association·2000·Department of Surgery, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Comparison of needle-core (Trucut) biopsy and surgical biopsy for the diagnosis of cutaneous and subcutaneous masses: a prospective study of 51 cases (November 1997-August 1998).
Plain-English summary
In a study involving 51 dogs and cats with lumps on or under their skin, researchers looked at how well a needle-core biopsy (a less invasive way to take a tissue sample) compared to a surgical biopsy (a more invasive procedure) for diagnosing these masses. A single pathologist examined the samples from both types of biopsies without knowing the results of the surgical biopsy first. The findings showed that the needle-core biopsy was quite accurate in predicting what the surgical biopsy would reveal. This means that using a needle-core biopsy can help plan treatment and may reduce the number of surgeries needed for these pets. Overall, the study concluded that needle-core biopsy is a useful tool for guiding treatment, especially for lumps that are not cancerous.
Abstract
Cutaneous or subcutaneous masses in 51 dogs and cats were examined by needle-core (i.e., Trucut) biopsy, and results were compared to results of surgical biopsy to assess the accuracy of the former. Needle-core specimens obtained before surgical biopsy were submitted to a single pathologist who evaluated both samples and was blinded to the results of surgical biopsy when evaluating the Trucut specimen. The results indicate that needle-core biopsy can accurately predict surgical biopsy. Thus, needle-core biopsy performed before surgical excision of masses can facilitate planning and reduce the need for numerous surgical procedures. Needle-core biopsy can direct appropriate treatment of nonmalignant masses.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10730626/