HomeHealth articlesbiopsyBiopsy - Types | Complications

Biopsy - Types and Complications

Verified dataVerified data
0

4 min read

Share

A biopsy is used to diagnose cancer and many other diseases, especially if you show symptoms related to cancer. This article is detailed on the same.

Written by

Dr. Preetha. J

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Iffat Jamal

Published At April 22, 2022
Reviewed AtAugust 29, 2023

What Is Biopsy?

A biopsy is the removal of tissues, cells, or fluids from the living body for examination. The doctor will suggest a biopsy when an initial test shows that the area of tissue in the body is abnormal.

Why Is Biopsy Done?

If a patient experiences any signs and symptoms in a particular area, a biopsy can be done to determine whether they have cancer or any other conditions. In contrast, imaging tests like CT (computed tomography) scan and MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) techniques and x-rays can only determine the abnormal mass in an area. Therefore the only way to assess cancer is to conduct a biopsy for a closer examination. A biopsy can even be done in normal tissues to check whether cancer has spread or to find the transplanted organ's rejection. A biopsy also helps in planning a better treatment option.

What Are the Types of Biopsy?

There are several types of biopsy. All these techniques use only sharp objects to remove the small number of cells or tissues for examination. Anesthesia will be given first if the area where the biopsy to be done is skin or any sensitive area.

1. Bone Marrow Biopsy:

The doctor may recommend a bone marrow biopsy if an abnormality is identified in the blood or if the doctor assumes that cancer has started in or migrated to the bone marrow. Bone marrow is the spongy substance present inside some of the larger bones wherever blood cells are produced. Investigating a sample of bone marrow may reveal what is causing the blood problem.

Bone marrow biopsy is usually used to diagnose various blood disorders, both non-cancerous and cancerous, including blood cancers, like leukemia, multiple myeloma, and lymphoma. This biopsy can also detect cancers that began outside and migrated to the bone marrow. During a bone marrow biopsy procedure, the doctor draws a sample of bone marrow from the back of the hipbone utilizing a long needle. Local anesthesia is given before a bone marrow biopsy to reduce pain during the procedure.

2. Needle Biopsy:

The doctor uses a unique needle to remove the cells from a suspicious area in a needle biopsy technique. A needle biopsy is usually used on tumors that the doctor can reach through the skin, such as enlarged lymph nodes or suspicious breast lumps. When the suspicious area cannot be felt through the skin, it is combined with an imaging procedure, such as an X-ray, to collect cells.

Types of needle biopsy include:

  • Fine-Needle Aspiration: A long, thin needle is introduced into the suspicious area to draw out fluid and cells for examination.

  • Core Needle Biopsy. A larger needle with a penetrating tip is used to draw a tissue column from a suspicious area during a core needle biopsy.

  • Vacuum-Assisted Biopsy: A suction device can increase the amount of fluid and cells obtained through the needle during a vacuum-assisted biopsy. This can lessen the number of times the needle must be injected to collect a sufficient sample.

  • Image-Guided Biopsy. Image-guided biopsy links the imaging procedure like x-ray, ultrasound, computerized tomography (CT), or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with a needle biopsy. Image-guided biopsy is done when the doctor cannot feel the suspicious areas through the skin in case of abnormalities on the liver, lung, or prostate. Using real-time pictures, the doctor can make sure that the needle reaches the exact spot.

3. Endoscopic Biopsy:

A flexible thin tube with a light on its end is inserted to see structures inside the body during an endoscopic biopsy. A special tool is passed into the tube to take a small sample of tissue for an investigation. The type of endoscopic biopsy to be done depends on where the suspicious area is located. Tubes used are inserted through the mouth, urinary tract, rectum, or a small incision in your skin. Some examples of endoscopic biopsy procedures include cystoscopy to obtain tissue from the bladder, bronchoscopy to get tissue from the lung, and colonoscopy to collect tissue from the colon.

4. Skin Biopsy:

A skin biopsy extracts cells from the surface of the body. It is used often to diagnose skin conditions like melanoma and other cancers. The type of skin biopsy done depends on the type of cancer assumed and the unusual cells' extent. The types of skin biopsy include:

  • Punch Biopsy: A circular tool is used to remove a small segment of the skin's deeper layers.

  • Shave Biopsy: A tool like a razor is used to scrape the surface of your skin in a shave biopsy procedure.

  • Incisional Biopsy: The doctor will use a scalpel to extract a small area of skin. The amount of skin removed determines whether there is any need for stitches to close the biopsy site in an incisional biopsy procedure.

  • Excisional Biopsy: An entire lump or a total area of abnormal skin is removed in case of an excisional biopsy. The doctor may apply stitches to close the biopsy site.

5. Surgical Biopsy:

The doctor will make a penetration in the skin to reach the cells' suspicious area. Examples of surgical biopsy procedures involve surgery to eliminate a breast lump for a possible breast cancer analysis and surgery to remove a lymph node for a probable lymphoma diagnosis.

6. Liver Biopsy:

A needle is injected into the liver into the skin on the belly for obtaining the liver tissue.

7. Kidney Biopsy:

A kidney biopsy is similar to a liver biopsy, where a needle is inserted into the skin on the kidney's back.

8. Prostate Biopsy:

A probe is implanted into the rectum to enter the prostate.

How Is a Biopsy Analysed?

Once the biopsy sample is collected, it will be sent to the pathologist in a lab to be examined. These samples can be frozen or chemically treated and sliced into very thin segments. The sliced sections are placed on a glass slide and stained to improve the contrast, which is viewed under the microscope.

What Are the Complications of a Biopsy?

In any medical procedure that requires piercing, the skin may undergo the risk of infection or bleeding. Still, as the incision is small, particularly in a needle biopsy, the risk is minimal.

Conclusion

Biopsy, an invasive investigational and therapeutic procedure, is most commonly suggested by healthcare professionals to differentiate between aggressive tumors, simple cysts and tumors. Apart from imaging tests, biopsy serves as the best diagnosing tool to rule out the type and causes of abnormal growths.

Frequently Asked Questions

1.

How Long Does a Biopsy Procedure Take?

This procedure takes about one hour to complete. Depending on the type of biopsy conducted, you may be needed to stay in an observation area for several hours after the procedure.

2.

What Will Happen if My Endometrial Biopsy Is Abnormal?

Cell alterations connected to hormone levels, as well as abnormal structures such as fibroids or polyps, are detected by biopsies. If the outcome of an endometrial biopsy is unclear or the doctor could not collect enough tissue for a biopsy, your doctor may do a hysteroscopy with dilatation and curettage.

3.

Is a Bone Marrow Biopsy a Painful Procedure?

Only a local anesthetic will be used to numb the area where the needles will be put during a bone marrow examination. Bone marrow aspiration can produce significant pain even with a local anesthetic. After a bone biopsy, the biopsy site may be uncomfortable or unpleasant for several days. As directed by your healthcare professional, take pain medication for soreness.

4.

What Is the Procedure of Prostate Biopsy?

It is a simple 10-minute procedure. They remove cells for testing by inserting a needle through the wall of your rectum and into the prostate. Typically, a dozen samples are taken from various areas of the prostate by doctors for investigation.

5.

How Painful Is a Biopsy?

The skin is numbed with a minimal quantity of anesthetic, making the procedure almost painless. As the anesthesia is given, a biopsy feels like a mild pinch at most. As the tissue is removed, there should be no sensation.

6.

What Happens During the Biopsy Procedure?

A biopsy is a technique that involves removing a sample of tissue or cells from your body. Based on the area of the body biopsied, these procedures might take anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes to complete. The biopsy sample is usually preserved in a special type of preservative before being transported to a pathology facility for analysis.

7.

How Painful Is a Needle Biopsy?

A topical drug applied to the skin may be used to numb the biopsy site at first. During your needle biopsy, you may feel some mild discomfort, such as pressure in the area.

8.

How Long Does a Sore Sensation Present After a Needle Biopsy?

For one to two days after the biopsy, the biopsy site may be painful and tender. Although there may be some bleeding or bruises, healing time is usually rapid.

9.

What Should Not Be Done After a Biopsy?

On the day of the biopsy and the day after, avoid exercise, bending, straining, swimming, or lifting any heavy objects.

10.

Do We Feel Sick After a Biopsy?

You should not experience any major pain following a biopsy. However, if a tissue sample from your bone marrow or a large organ, such as your liver, was removed, you may have a dull aching or some minor discomfort. Painkillers may be prescribed by your doctor or surgeon to help alleviate the discomfort.

11.

Are Biopsy Tests Harmful?

In most cases, a biopsy technique is painless and safe. Biopsies can cause complications, too, such as bleeding and infections if the procedure and post-biopsy care are not well-followed.

12.

Does a Biopsy Mean Cancer?

A biopsy indicates that cancer is suspected, but the diagnosis can only be confirmed by the biopsy results. The most common reason for biopsies is to check for cancer (to confirm or rule them out). Biopsies, on the other hand, can aid in the diagnosis of a variety of different illnesses.
default Img
Dr. Iffat Jamal

Pathology

Tags:

biopsy
Community Banner Mobile
By subscribing, I agree to iCliniq's Terms & Privacy Policy.

Source Article ArrowMost popular articles

Do you have a question on

biopsy

Ask a doctor online

*guaranteed answer within 4 hours

Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. iCliniq privacy policy