Biopsy
What is a Biopsy?
A biopsy is a medical procedure used to examine tissue taken from humans or animals. It’s done to either diagnose an illness or condition or to determine if a treatment is working. During a biopsy, a small sample of cells or tissue is taken for testing in a laboratory.
Why is a Biopsy Done?
A biopsy lets doctors examine tissue from certain parts of the body to help them diagnose and determine treatment options for certain medical conditions. It may also be used:
- To diagnose diseases such as cancer
- To determine how far a cancer has spread
- To evaluate a suspected infection or inflammation
- To check if tissue is normal after pain or a lump is found
Types of Biopsy
Biopsy types vary according to the method that doctors use to retrieve tissue samples. Some types of biopsy include:
- Needle biopsy: A needle is inserted to remove tissue or fluid, which is then examined
- Endoscopic biopsy: A thin, flexible tube with a camera and a tool to remove tissue is inserted through a small incision in the body
- Incisional biopsy: Involves minor surgery to remove a sample of tissue from a lump or suspected tumor
- Excisional biopsy: Involves minor surgery to remove an entire tumor
Biopsy Preparation
Before conducting a biopsy, the health care team will provide information about the procedure. Typically, this includes reviewing the patient’s medical history, details about the biopsy itself, and any risks associated with the procedure. It’s important to let the health care team know about any medications or allergies, as well as any changes to the body, like a fever, soreness, or lump, that have occurred since the patient’s last doctor visit.
Biopsy Procedure
The procedure itself varies according to the type of biopsy that is being performed. Needle biopsies, for example, are often done in an outpatient setting or in the doctor’s office. Depending on the area that is being sampled, patients may be asked to take certain medications prior to the biopsy.
During the biopsy, patients may feel slight discomfort, but most biopsies should not cause significant pain. In some cases, a doctor may apply a local anesthetic to the area to prevent discomfort and any bleeding. Once the anesthetic has been applied, doctors can use the needle to remove a sample of cells or tissue from the area.
Endoscopic biopsies and excisional biopsies require minor surgery and are typically done under light sedation or in an operating room under general anesthesia. During these types of biopsy, doctors will make a small incision to access the area from which the tissue sample will be taken. Once the sample has been removed and examined, the doctor will close the incision with a stitch, or stitches.
Risks of a Biopsy
Most biopsies carry minimal risk. Patients can experience some minor bleeding, discomfort, and bruising at the biopsy site. In some cases, they may also experience an infection in the area, but this can be treated with antibiotics if it occurs. Rarely, biopsies can cause excessive bleeding or nerve damage that can require further treatment. It’s important for patients to talk to their doctor about any potential risks and concerns prior to the biopsy.
Conclusion
A biopsy is a medical procedure used to diagnose and treat certain medical conditions. It involves the removal of small tissue samples from a patient for examination in a laboratory. Different types of biopsy may be performed, depending on the patient’s condition and the area of the body being sampled.
The biopsy procedure generally carries minimal risk, but patients should speak to their doctor about any potential risks before the biopsy is performed. If you have additional questions about biopsies, it’s best to consult your health care team.
