 Following a discussion of the procedure with the patient and/or family, including its risks, benefits, alternatives and steps to prevent infection, informed written consent was obtained and documented in the patient's chart. The time-out form was completed to confirm patient identity and side/type of procedure. All operators present for the case performed standard preprocedural prep including hand washing and sterile gloves. The patient was prepped and draped in the usual aseptic fashion. Local anesthesia over the target area was obtained by 1% lidocaine.Targeted ultrasound examination demonstrates a heterogeneous but predominantly hypoechoic mass along the posterior aspect of the left scapula corresponding to the findings on recent MRI examination. There is associated increased vascularity on Doppler interrogation. Using ultrasound guidance a 18-gauge Achieve core biopsy needle was advanced into the lesion. 4 core needle biopsy specimens were obtained. 2 specimens were placed in RPMI solution. 2 specimens were placed in 10% formalin. Touch preparations were performed and handed to cytopathology to confirm specimen adequacy.The core biopsy specimens in formalin were hand carried to the Surgical Pathology lab. The specimens in RPMI solution were handed to cytopathology.The patient tolerated the procedure well without immediate complication. Routine post procedure instructions were communicated to the patient.ESTIMATED BLOOD LOSS: Less than 5cc. An adhesive bandage was placed on the patient’s skin.
Ultrasound guided biopsy of left scapular mass.