Adrenal Biopsy
Alternate Names : Adrenal Gland Biopsy
There are two adrenal glands in the body, one on top of
each kidney. These glands produce a variety of hormones that affect
almost all of the body's functions. An adrenal biopsy involves taking
a sample of tissue, usually from only one adrenal gland.
Who is a candidate for the procedure?
An adrenal biopsy may be done when an abnormal
growth or mass is seen in one, or rarely both, of the adrenal glands.
This growth or mass may be a tumor or just an infection. The
adrenal glands can usually be seen only during special X-ray tests,
such as an abdominal CT scan.
How is the procedure performed?
There are two ways to do an adrenal biopsy.
With the first method, a doctor inserts a needle through the skin of the back into
the adrenal gland, while he or she looks at live images from a
CT scan
or other X-ray. Local anesthesia
is used to prevent the person from feeling pain. A medicine to relax the
person may also be given if needed. Once a tissue sample has been
obtained, the needle is removed, and a bandage is placed over the puncture site.
An adrenal biopsy may also be done using surgery, under
general anesthesia.
A cut is made into the back or abdomen, and the surgeon looks at the
gland directly. A piece of the gland can then be removed and sent to the lab.
The lab often analyzes the piece of tissue while the person is still asleep.
If the tissue turns out to be cancer,
surgery can then be done right away to avoid a second operation in the future.
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