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Cancer Community
The answer depends on what imaging tool will be used to aid in performing the biopsy and the size and location of the tumor to be biopsied.
The CT scan may take around 5 to 10 minutes, an ultrasound may take less time.
However, if the tumor is small, the ultrasound may not be able to locate it all, and the doctor may take more time comparing the previous CT films with the actual CT scans being obtained. Also, tumors that are closer to the chest wall would be easier to access and little major structures to risk damaging, and hence the approach depends on this as well.
The field to be be punctured will be cleaned with antiseptic and properly draped - this shouldn't take more than 5 minutes.
The actual insertion of the needle only takes a few minutes. This may be the shortest part of the procedure, planning the approach and preparing the area to be punctured takes longer. All in all, it may take as short 15 to 20 minutes.