It is a process of removing all or some cells or tissue taken from any part of the body for examination.

The sample will be sent for testing and will be looked at under a microscope.

When the results are ready, your health care provider will talk to you about them.

Remember, just because you are having a biopsy does NOT mean you have cancer.

What is a biopsy used for?

Commonly biopsies are used to find cancer, they can also be used to discover diseases and extent of diseases such as ulcerative colitis or kidney disease, Infections and Auto immune disorders.

How is a biopsy done?

There are many ways a biopsy can be done but depending on your circumstance, the options can vary.

Biopsy procedures are usually done as outpatient cases.

Various biopsy options:

Scraping of cells

The removal of cells on the outer layer of the tissue. This technique could be used with tissues in the mouth or in the cervix, for example PAP smear

Punch biopsy

Removal of tissue to detect skin conditions. A tool is used to take a skin sample.

Needle biopsy

A needle guided by ultrasound, CT, MRI or blind is used to gather the tissue. A needle biopsy takes samples from organs, bone marrow, and breast lumps for testing.

Depending on which part of the body the tissue is being taken from, the instrument may differ. For example, endometrial biopsy for endometrial tissue diagnosis.

Endoscopic biopsy

The use of an endoscope (a thin, flexible tube with a camera on the end along with a cutting tool to remove samples) aids with this procedure. Tissue is removed and sent for testing.

Excisional biopsy

The entire portion of a diseased piece of tissue is removed using an instrument like a scalpel.

Incisional biopsy

A huge piece of tissue is removed using an instrument like a scalpel.

Perioperative biopsy

This occurs while another operation is going on. With the approval of the patient, the tissue will be removed and tested right away. Results will be given shortly after the procedure so that treatment, if necessary, can start as soon as possible.

References

NHS. Biopsy Accessed 5/6/2014.

Radiologyinfo. Biopsy Overview Accessed 5/6/2014.

Meric-Bernstam F, Pollock RE. Chapter 10. Oncology. In: Brunicardi FC, Andersen DK, Billiar TR, Dunn DL, Hunter JG, Matthews JB, Pollock RE, eds. Schwartz's Principles of Surgery. 9th ed. New York: McGraw-Hill; 2010. accesssurgery.com Accessed 5/6/2014.

John Costin III, MD. Dr. Costin is Professional Staff at Cleveland Clinic Lorain Family Health and Surgery Center.

This information is provided by Bob Specialist Hospital and is not intended to replace the medical advice of your doctor or health care provider. Please consult your health care provider for advice about a specific medical condition or contact our biopsy clinic via phone on 08096840047 or via email: biopsyclinic@bobmedicare.com.