Use of end-cutting needles in ultrasound-guided biopsy of neck lesions.

UNLABELLED: The management of a neck mass is dictated by its nature, location and extent. Pathological diagnosis by fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) or core biopsy is often required before proceeding to definitive treatment. It is not uncommon for the cytology result to come back as inadequate for various reasons. The unique design of the end-cutting biopsy needle in our experience makes it a good choice for use in obtaining both transcutaneous and intraoral biopsy under ultrasound guidance of neck lesions and serves as a useful alternative or adjunct to FNAC. Although there is, as yet, only a limited evidence base about end-cutting in comparison to side-cutting needles, they carry several potential advantages. KEY POINTS: End-cutting needles are safe to use for lesions close to vital structures. End-cutting needles yield sufficient tissue samples in a single pass. End-cutting biopsy needles are a useful adjunct to FNAC.