What type of biopsy uses a hollow needle to remove a core of tissue?

A needle biopsy employs a hollow needle to extract a core of tissue from a specific area, typically from a suspicious lump or mass. This method is minimally invasive and aims to obtain a sample of the tissue for pathological examination. By using a hollow needle, healthcare providers can gather enough tissue to analyze for the presence of cancer cells or other abnormalities, while causing less trauma to the surrounding tissues compared to surgical options.

The other types of biopsies mentioned involve different techniques. An excisional biopsy removes an entire lump or area of abnormal tissue, while an incisional biopsy involves removing a portion of a tumor for diagnosis. Liquid biopsy, on the other hand, analyzes circulating tumor cells or fragments of tumor DNA found in blood, rather than obtaining tissue through a needle. Each technique has its appropriate context, but the hallmark of a needle biopsy is its ability to obtain tissue efficiently with minimal intervention.