What should you know about stereo biopsy?

The term stereo refers to using images from different angles to calculate the position of a target. Depending on the body area, a radiologist or surgeon uses a planning system, local anaesthetic or sedation, and a small needle or instrument to collect samples. The material is sent to a pathology laboratory.

A report may describe whether the tissue is benign, inflammatory, pre-cancerous or cancerous, and may add details needed to classify a tumour. Some samples need extra testing such as [Immunohistochemistry](/technology/immunohistochemistry/) or [Genomic Tumour Profiling](/treatments/diagnostics-and-staging/genomic-tumour-profiling/).

Tell the team about blood-thinning medicines, allergies, bleeding problems, pregnancy possibility and previous reactions to anaesthetic. Follow the instructions about eating, drinking and medicines. Arrange transport if sedation is planned.

Afterward, keep the dressing clean and follow activity guidance. Mild tenderness or bruising can occur, but the team should explain what is expected for your specific biopsy. Read the general [Biopsy](/treatments/diagnostics-and-staging/biopsy/) information and ask whether an [MRI Scan](/treatments/diagnostics-and-staging/mri-scan/) or another test is needed before or after sampling.

Seek urgent help for heavy bleeding that does not stop with firm pressure, increasing swelling, trouble breathing, fainting, a high temperature, spreading redness, or sudden severe pain. After a brain biopsy, new weakness, seizure, confusion, severe headache or repeated vomiting needs immediate assessment.

Which imaging method will guide the biopsy? What medicines should I pause, and when may I restart them? Will local anaesthetic or sedation be used? When should I expect the pathology result? Could the sample need additional molecular or immune-marker testing? What symptoms require same-day help?