A biopsy is the removal of a small piece of tissue for microscopic examination and/or culture, often to help the physician make a diagnosis.
How the test is performed
The method of tissue removal varies among the type of biopsies:
In a needle (percutaneous) biopsy, the tissue sample is simply obtained by use of a syringe. A needle is passed into the tissue to be biopsied, and cells are removed through the needle. Depending on the location of the tissue to be biopsied, needle biopsies are often performed under X-ray (usually CT scan) guidance.
In an open biopsy, an incision is made in the skin, the organ is exposed, and a tissue sample is taken.
Closed biopsy involves a much smaller incision than open biopsy. The small incision is made to allow insertion of a visualization device, which can guide the physician to the appropriate area to take the sample.
If the tissue to be sampled is in the abdomen and cannot be safely accessed with a needle or closed procedure, an open biopsy must be performed in the operating room.
How to prepare for the test
Check with your physician about stopping medications that can predispose to bleeding, such as aspirin, Coumadin, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs). Also mention any herbal preparations you are taking. Never change your medication regimen without first checking with your physician.
How the test will feel
In a needle biopsy, you will feel a small sharp pinch at the site of the biopsy. In an open or closed biopsy, local or general anesthesia is generally used to make the procedure pain free.
Why the test is performed
A biopsy may be performed to obtain healthy tissue can be obtained for the purpose of tissue-type matching for transplants. Unhealthy tissues are more commonly biopsied to diagnose disease.
Normal Values
Normal tissue.
What abnormal results mean
Abnormal biopsies mean that the material obtained differs from the usual structure or condition of the tissue.
Abnormal results may indicate the presence of disease, such as cancer, depending on the particular case.
What the risks are
Bleeding
Infection
Special considerations
Please see the following list of tests or procedures to obtain more information on why each one is performed, how it is performed, the risks, and normal and abnormal results:
Abdominal wall fat pad biopsy
Adrenal biopsy
Biopsy of the biliary tract
Bladder biopsy
Bone lesion biopsy
Bone marrow biopsy
Breast biopsy
Bronchoscopy with transtracheal biopsy
Carpal tunnel biopsy
Cervical biopsy
Chorionic villus biopsy
Cold cone biopsy
Colposcopy-directed biopsy
Endometrial biopsy
Gum biopsy
Liver biopsy
Lung needle biopsy
Lymph node biopsy
Mediastinoscopy with biopsy
Muscle biopsy
Myocardial biopsy
Nasal mucosal biopsy
Nerve biopsy
Open lung biopsy
Open pleural biopsy
Oropharynx lesion biopsy
Parathyroid biopsy
Pleural needle biopsy
Polyps biopsy
Rectal biopsy
Renal biopsy
Salivary gland biopsy
Skin lesion biopsy
Skinny-needle biopsy
Small bowel biopsy
Synovial biopsy
Testicular biopsy
Thyroid excisional biopsy
Tongue biopsy
Upper airway biopsy
Ureteral retrograde brush biopsy cytology
Update Date: 11/19/2002Updated by: Hebe Molmenti, M.D., Ph.D., Private Practice specializing in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Baltimore, MD. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2002 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.