Adrenal gland needle biopsy

A needle biopsy of the adrenal gland is a procedure to take a tiny sample of your adrenal gland tissue. It may be done as a fine-needle aspiration biopsy or as a core needle biopsy. The tissue sample will be checked under a microscope for cancer or other problems.

A needle biopsy of the adrenal gland may be done when certain blood tests are abnormal. It also may be done when an ultrasound, a CT scan, or an MRI shows a problem with the adrenal gland.

• You will need to take off all or most of your clothes. You will be given a cloth or paper gown to use during the test.
• You may be given a sedative through a vein (I.V.) in your arm. The sedative will help you relax and stay still.
• You may be asked to lie on your stomach or your side. The area where the biopsy needle will go in will be numbed.
• Your doctor will use ultrasound or a CT scan to help guide the biopsy needle into your back and to your adrenal gland. You may be asked to hold your breath.
• Your doctor will use the needle to take a small sample of tissue from your adrenal gland. Then the doctor will remove the needle.
• Pressure will be applied to stop the bleeding. A bandage will be put on the puncture site.
• You will be watched for 1 to 4 hours after the biopsy while the sedative wears off. You will be checked for any signs of internal bleeding or trouble breathing.

• Tell your doctor ALL the medicines, vitamins, supplements, and herbal remedies you take. Some may increase the risk of problems during your test. Your doctor will tell you if you should stop taking any of them before the test and how soon to do it.
• If you take aspirin or some other blood thinner, ask your doctor if you should stop taking it before your test. Make sure that you understand exactly what your doctor wants you to do. These medicines increase the risk of bleeding.
• Arrange for someone to drive you home after the test, because you may be given a sedative to help you relax.
• Follow the instructions exactly about when to stop eating and drinking. If you don't, your procedure may be canceled. If your doctor told you to take your medicines on the day of the procedure, take them with only a sip of water.