Core Needle Biopsy

April 1, 2026

This page was reviewed under our medical and editorial policy by Vijay Trisal, M.D., surgical oncologist and chief clinical officer for the City of Hope^® system.

A biopsy is a procedure to remove a small tissue sample so that it may be examined in a lab for signs of cancer or other diseases. A core needle biopsy, sometimes called a core biopsy, uses a long, hollow needle to remove a “core” of tissue from the site of a suspected tumor.

What Is a Core Needle Biopsy?

Core needle biopsy may be used to help doctors diagnose cancer or to gather information about a patient’s cancer that may help make treatment more effective or personalized.

During a core needle biopsy, a doctor inserts an instrument called a core needle into the site of a tumor and cuts away a small cylinder of tissue. A core needle is long, thin and hollow and may measure from 6 millimeters (mm) to 13 mm across, but is usually about the same size as a needle used to draw blood.

Core Needle Biopsy Versus Fine Needle Aspiration

Core needle biopsy and fine needle aspiration biopsy are both procedures used to remove a tissue sample from a patient’s body so that it may be examined in a lab. However, there are some differences between the two procedures, as detailed below.

Core needle biopsy: This type of biopsy uses a slightly larger needle, which allows doctors to collect a larger tissue sample. For this reason, core needle biopsy may often provide a more accurate, fuller diagnosis than fine needle aspiration. 

Fine needle aspiration biopsy: This type of biopsy uses a thinner needle, making the procedure less invasive than core needle biopsy. However, because fine needle aspiration samples contain fewer cells, this type of biopsy may be slightly less accurate at diagnosing cancer or other conditions.

Doctors may recommend one type of biopsy over another depending on a variety of factors, including where the biopsy site is, what type of cancer or tumor a patient may have and a patient’s overall health.

Common Sites for a Core Biopsy

Core needle biopsy is most often recommended as part of the diagnostic process for cancers affecting the:

• Bones
• Breasts
• Liver
• Lungs
• Lymph nodes
• Prostate
• Thyroid

The Procedure

Core needle biopsy is a procedure that is performed in a doctor’s office or clinic. It takes about 15 to 30 minutes. During a core needle biopsy:

• A doctor uses local anesthetic to numb the skin at the site of the biopsy
• In some cases, a small incision is made at the site of the biopsy
• If the site of the biopsy is easy to access or may be felt on the surface of the skin, the doctor inserts the core needle into the skin directly
• If the biopsy site is not easy to access or readily visible, imaging technologies such as ultrasound or computed tomography may be used to guide the needle into place and remove a sample. This is referred to as stereotactic core needle biopsy.
• In some cases, doctors may use vacuum-assisted core needle biopsy, which uses suction to remove several tissue samples during one procedure. The tissue is cut away by a small blade inside the core needle.
• After the needle is removed, a bandage is used to cover the incision. Stitches are not usually necessary.

Patients may return home immediately after undergoing core needle biopsy. Depending on where the biopsy is conducted, some patients may be asked to avoid heavy lifting for one or two days.

Does a Core Needle Biopsy Hurt?

A core needle biopsy does not usually hurt, but may cause mild discomfort.

Recovery

After the biopsy, doctors cover the site of the incision with a bandage. Because it is a fast, minimally invasive procedure, core needle biopsy tends to cause minimal side effects and heal quickly. However, some patients may experience:

• Pain or swelling at the site of the biopsy
• A small amount of bleeding in the days after the procedure
• Infection at the site of the incision
• Scarring

Results

Tissue samples taken during a core needle biopsy are reviewed under a microscope by a pathologist, who is a doctor with expertise in examining cells for signs of disease. The results of a core needle biopsy often take several days up to a week. If there are signs of abnormal cell behavior, doctors may order other tests to gather more information.