Biopsy
A biopsy is a diagnostic medical test in which a tissue sample is removed for microscopic examination by a pathologist. A biopsy is performed to determine the presence or extent of a disease such as cancer or cirrhosis. Biopsies are performed when physical examination, X-rays or other diagnostic tests indicate the possible presence of a malignancy or other serious disease. Biopsies may be taken from any area of the body in which a lesion, mass or lump is found, and are commonly done on skin, breast, gastrointestinal organs, gynecological or urological tracts.
Types of Biopsy
There are several types of biopsy procedures, each used under different medical circumstances. Depending on the type of biopsy being performed, the patient is either given a local anesthetic, sedation, or anesthesia. In more complex biopsies, CT or ultrasound may be used to provide the doctor with guidance.
Skin Biopsy
During a skin biopsy, a small blade is used to obtain a sample of skin tissue for examination. In delicate areas, such as the face, Mohs surgery, may be used. In Mohs surgery, each layer of skin is examined to determine the depth of the affected tissue. The Mohs procedure results in minimal or no disfiguration.
Needle Biopsy
In a needle biopsy, tissue is accessed to extract a small sample of cells for testing at a laboratory. A needle biopsy procedure may be performed either as a fine-needle, which is attached to a syringe, or as a core needle biospy, which is attached to a spring-loaded needle. A needle biopsy is performed to obtain tissue and samples of fluid from muscle, bones or organs.
Bone Marrow Biopsy
In bone marrow biopsy, a needle extracts bone and bone marrow tissue from the pelvic area. This type of biopsy is used to diagnose blood diseases, such as leukemia or lymphoma.
Endoscopic Biopsy
During an endoscopy, in which a thin tube is inserted either through the mouth, rectum or vagina, suspect tissue may be collected for biopsy.
Surgical Biopsy
Open or laparoscopic surgery may be necessary to obtain a sample of tissue for biopsy. Either a piece of tissue or the whole lump of tissue may be removed for examination.
Recovery from a Biopsy
Minimally invasive biopsies, such as most skin biopsies, may be done in the doctor's office with a local anesthetic. More invasive biopsies are done in a hospital setting. There will often be soreness at the site of the biopsy for a few days for which pain medication may be prescribed. Depending on the nature of the biopsy, the patient may be given instructions to restrict particular activities for a few days following the procedure. The samples will be sent to a pathologist and pathology reports may be done immediately, as during Moh's skin biopsies, but usually take several days to more than a week to be received. If the diagnosis is benign, there may be no need for follow-up. If a malignancy or other disease process is evident, the doctor will advise the patient as to what further steps must be taken.