Biopsy Overview and Types

Biopsy Overview

• A biopsy is a medical procedure to remove and examine tissue for disease diagnosis.
• It combines the Greek words "bios" (life) and "opsis" (sight).
• A biopsy involves removing a tissue sample and examining it under a microscope by a pathologist, a doctor specializing in bodily tissues and fluids.

Biopsy Types

• Scrape biopsy: Removing surface cells, common in Pap smears.
• Punch biopsy: Removing a tissue disk using a small round knife, often for skin cancer.
• Needle biopsy: Using a needle to extract a sample. Can be a fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) or core biopsy (wider needle).
• Stereotactic biopsy: Using 3D imaging to guide sample collection from abnormal areas (e.g., breast, brain).
• Colposcopic biopsy: Using a colposcope (special telescope) to examine the cervix after an abnormal Pap smear.
• Endoscopic biopsy: Using an endoscope to collect samples from internal areas like intestines, colon, or lungs.

Biopsy Uses

• Diagnosing cancerous and non-cancerous diseases.
• Determining if a growth is cancerous.
• Diagnosing causes of stomach pain (inflammation, bacteria like Helicobacter pylori).
• Identifying lung masses as cancerous or not.
• Determining if breast tissue abnormalities are benign or cancerous.
• Diagnosing various diseases, including cancerous and non-cancerous conditions.

Biopsy Analysis & Results

• Pathologists examine tissue under a microscope.
• They determine malignancy (cancerous) or benign (non-cancerous).
• Assess cancer aggressiveness/stage (if malignant) to guide treatment.
• Prepare a report with findings, sent to the ordering doctor.
• Result time varies depending on complexity, from 12 days for simpler biopsies to longer for complex cases. Delays might be due to additional tests or second opinions.

Biopsy Preparation & Procedure

• Preparation varies by biopsy type.
• FNABs typically only require a consent form and gown change.
• Some biopsies may require fasting.
• Discussing medications/supplements is important.
• Most biopsies are outpatient procedures.
• More invasive procedures may require anesthesia and overnight stay.
• Anesthesia type varies (from local for FNAB to general for surgical biopsies).
• Pain is minimized by anesthesia; some procedures might have a sharp pinch, followed by potential soreness for a few days.

Biopsy Safety

• Biopsies are generally safe with low risks of infection and bleeding.
• Rare cases of excessive bleeding may need further procedures.
• Early cancer detection through biopsy improves survival rates.