If a lesion is only visible on MRI, which method can be used to biopsy it?

When a lesion is only visible on MRI, the optimal method for biopsy is MRI-guided core biopsy. This technique utilizes the detailed imaging capabilities of MRI to accurately locate the lesion, which may not be visible using other imaging modalities such as ultrasound or mammography.

MRI-guided core biopsy allows for real-time visualization of the lesion, enabling the radiologist to precisely target the area of concern. The high contrast resolution provided by MRI makes it an excellent choice for assessing soft tissue lesions or abnormalities that might be inconspicuous on other imaging methods. This can help ensure that adequate samples are obtained, increasing the likelihood of an accurate diagnosis.

Other biopsy methods, like stereotactic, ultrasound, and CT-guided biopsies, are generally more suited for lesions that are identifiable on their respective imaging formats. Stereotactic biopsy relies on mammography for lesion localization, ultrasound-guided biopsy uses ultrasound imaging, and CT-guided biopsy depends on computed tomography for guidance. Therefore, when a lesion is exclusively visible on MRI, the MRI-guided core biopsy stands out as the most effective approach.