A biopsy is a sample of suspicious tissue, which is removed by a doctor for use in accurate diagnosis. There are various methods for this sampling, ranging from a simple skin sampling under general anesthesia to an open chest wall surgery to remove a section of lung tissue. A biopsy can also be obtained through diagnostic procedures.
Diagnostic methods used for biopsy include:
endoscopy
colonoscopy
Bronchoscopy
Sometimes, doctors use computed tomography (CAT scan), or other radiological imaging technologies, to help accurately diagnose the sampling area and prevent injury to other surrounding organs for biopsy.
What is bronchoscopy?
It is a method in which a narrow tube is used to observe the respiratory tract and biopsy a sample of the tissue or secretions of these tracts. Sometimes, this method is used to perform small surgeries in this area or to wash the ducts.
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Types of biopsy
Excisional biopsy
Or a general biopsy, in which if the doctor sees a mole or a suspicious spot that has changed in color or size, he uses this method to remove all the desired tissue and then sends it to pathology.
– Incisional biopsy
This method is used to remove or only remove part of the desired area. For example, to sample a small piece of tissue from a suspicious lump in the breast.
Fine needle biopsy
This type of biopsy is used to remove cells or fluids by suction with a long thin needle.
Core needle biopsy
During this procedure, the doctor removes a very thin cylindrical piece of tissue by inserting a special needle through the skin incision.
Questions to ask your doctor about a biopsy
The following questions are for your guidance. You can get more detailed information about it when talking to your doctor by asking these questions:
– What information is obtained from the biopsy and how does it help to diagnose my disease?
– How is a biopsy done?
– Can other alternative methods be used for sampling?
– Is this procedure painful? Does it include general anesthesia or regional anesthesia?
– How safe is this method that is used for me?
– Can this procedure be done in your office, or do I have to go to the hospital to do it?
– How much of the sample should be removed?
– What is the size of the removed tissue?
How long does this procedure take? Can I do my daily activities after that?
Will I have pain or sores after doing it?
Who will interpret it?
How long should I wait to know the result?
– How will I know the results of my biopsy?
– Will I have side effects as a result of using this method for biopsy? If the side effects are extensive, what should I do or who should I contact?