When physicians diagnose cancer, they usually prescribe a biopsy. But what is a biopsy, really? A biopsy is a medical test in which a small piece of tissue is removed from the body to be viewed under a microscope. It assists physicians in determining if cancer cells are present. This easy yet potent test can give significant information regarding your health.
Knowing how a biopsy is done, what to anticipate, and what it will feel like can relieve anxiety and make the experience more comfortable for patients.
A biopsy is a diagnostic test that is done to study tissue or cells from the body to determine whether a disease, like cancer, exists. The sample can be obtained from any area of the body—like the breast, prostate, liver, or skin—based on where the physician suspects there is an issue.
In contrast to scans or blood tests, a biopsy gives us direct proof of disease. It informs us whether a tumor is benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous).
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Your doctors may refer you for a cancer biopsy if you have:
It is also worth noting that not all biopsy is cancer. Sometimes it serves to eliminate severe conditions.
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There are various types of biopsy based on the area of the body involved and how the sample is obtained:
This method employs a very fine needle to aspirate fluid or cells from a lump. It's fast and mostly painless. It's commonly employed for thyroid, breast, or lymph node biopsies.
A deeper needle removes a small cylinder (core) of tissue. It gives more detailed information compared to FNA. It's widely used in breast biopsy and prostate biopsy.
In a few instances, a surgeon will need to take out part or the entire lump in an operating room. This is referred to as an incisional (partial) or excisional (complete) biopsy.
It is performed through a thin, flexible tube known as an endoscope, inserted through a normal opening such as the mouth or rectum. It's employed for biopsies in organs such as the stomach, lungs, or colon.
Used to study skin conditions when a small skin tissue is removed with local anesthetic.
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Depending on the type, generally:
For larger biopsies or internal organs, imaging guidance such as ultrasound or CT scan can be used to guide the needle to the correct location.
One of the most common concerns is biopsy pain. Most biopsies are only minimally painful. A local anesthetic is typically applied to minimize pain. Patients might feel pressure or a pinch during the procedure, particularly during needle biopsy.
Discomfort after the procedure is usually minimal and resolves within a day or two. Over-the-counter medication is typically sufficient to control it.
After the biopsy, you’ll be observed for a short time and given instructions for biopsy recovery. Here’s what to expect:
Full recovery usually takes a few days, depending on the biopsy type.
As with any procedure, a biopsy may have some side effects, although serious complications are uncommon. Potential risks are:
Doctors do their best to reduce the risks, and you will be closely watched before and after the test.
Biopsy results time can be variable depending on the type of test and the workload at the lab. Generally:
Your physician will discuss the results and their implications for your diagnosis and treatment.
If cancer is identified, your physician will discuss the cancer type, grade, and stage. The biopsy assists with directing the most suitable treatments—surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, or a blend.
Occasionally, the biopsy will also check for certain markers that assist in selecting tailor-made treatments, particularly for breast or prostate cancer.
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