Biopsy

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KEY POINTS

• A biopsy is the removal of a small sample of tissue for testing to help diagnose infections, cancer, and other diseases.
• Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions before the procedure about eating, drinking, and taking your medicines.
• Ask your healthcare provider how and when you will get your test results and how to take care of yourself at home.

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What is a biopsy?

A biopsy is the removal of a small sample of tissue for testing. After tissue is removed, it is sent to a lab where it is examined under a microscope or tested. Biopsies help diagnose infections, cancer, and other diseases. The type of biopsy you have depends on the part of the body and tissue needed.

Common types of biopsies are:

• Skin biopsy. A skin biopsy is the removal of a piece of skin with different types of sharp tools. You may need stitches to close the skin if a large area is biopsied.
• Needle biopsy. A needle biopsy is the removal of a small piece of tissue from your body with a needle. This method may be used, for example, for a breast or liver biopsy. This type of biopsy is done with a thin, hollow needle put through your skin into your body. X-rays, CT scan, MRI, or ultrasound may be used to put the needle in exactly the right place. A core biopsy is a type of needle biopsy that uses a larger needle to remove a solid piece of tissue.
• Endoscopic biopsy, including laparoscopic biopsy. An endoscopic biopsy is the removal of a sample of tissue from your digestive system, lungs, bladder, or other organs. This type of biopsy is done with a small, lighted tube passed into your body through your mouth, rectum, or bladder. Laparoscopic biopsy uses small, lighted tubes put into the belly through small cuts to look at the organs and tissues inside the belly. It is also used to biopsy female organs such as the ovaries and uterus (womb).
• Surgical biopsy. A surgical biopsy is the removal of a sample of tissue from a part of your body. There are two main types of surgical biopsy:
  • An incisional biopsy, which is a cut through your skin to remove a small piece of tissue
  • An excisional biopsy, which is a cut through your skin to remove all of the tissue
• Bone marrow biopsy. A bone marrow biopsy is the removal of tissue from the center of your bone. It may be done to look for bone problems and for some cancers of the blood, such as leukemia. This type of biopsy is done with a thin, hollow needle put through your skin and into your bone. Bone marrow is usually taken from your breastbone or your hipbone just below your waist.

You will be given medicine called anesthesia to keep you from feeling pain. Depending on the area where the biopsy is done, you may have local, regional, or general anesthesia.

• Local anesthesia numbs only the part of your body where you will have the biopsy.
• Regional anesthesia numbs a larger area of your body. Depending on the medicine, you may be awake or asleep during the procedure.
• General anesthesia relaxes your muscles and you will be asleep.

How can I take care of myself?

• Ask your healthcare provider what instructions you need to follow before the procedure.
• Your healthcare provider will tell you when to stop eating and drinking before the procedure.
• You may need to avoid taking certain medicines before the procedure. Make sure your healthcare provider knows about any medicines, herbs, or supplements that you are taking. Ask your provider before stopping any of your regular medicines.
• Make plans for your care and recovery after you have the procedure. Find someone to give you a ride home after the procedure. Allow for time to rest and try to find other people to help with your day-to-day tasks while you recover.
• Ask any questions you have before the procedure. You should understand what your healthcare provider is going to do. You have the right to make decisions about your healthcare and to give permission for any tests or procedures.
• Every procedure or treatment has risks. Some possible risks of this procedure include:
  • You may have problems with anesthesia.
  • You may have infection or bleeding.
  • Other parts of your body may be injured during the procedure.
  • Ask your healthcare provider how the risks apply to you.
• Tell your healthcare provider if you have any food, medicine, or other allergies such as latex.

Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions after the procedure. Ask your provider:

• How long it will take to recover
• If there are activities you should avoid and when you can return to your normal activities
• How to take care of yourself at home
• What symptoms or problems you should watch for and what to do if you have them

Make sure you know when you should come back for a checkup. Keep all appointments for provider visits or tests.