Patient education: Biopsy (The Basics)

What is a biopsy? — 

This is a procedure to check an area of tissue in the body. It can help diagnose a problem or monitor a known problem.

Some common reasons to have a biopsy include:

●To learn more about an unexplained illness or abnormal test result

●To check for a specific disease

●If you have a growth or tumor

●To check an organ after an organ transplant

Are there different types of biopsies? — 

Yes. Biopsies look at a sample of tissue or fluid. Depending on what the doctor is looking for, this can be done in different ways.

Biopsies can be done:

●In a doctor's office – Many types of biopsies are done on a body part that can be reached with a needle or other special tool. The doctor will use medicine to numb the area first. Examples include:

•Needle biopsy – The doctor uses a needle to remove a small sample of tissue or fluid from an area close to the skin. This might also be called a "fine-needle biopsy" or "core-needle biopsy," depending on the size of the needle.

•Skin biopsy – The doctor uses special tools to remove a small sample of skin.

•Bone marrow biopsy – The doctor uses a long needle to remove a small sample of bone marrow from inside a bone.

•Cervical biopsy – The doctor uses special tools to remove cells from the cervix. The cervix is the bottom part of the uterus, where it meets the vagina.

•Prostate biopsy – The doctor uses special tools to remove cells from the prostate. The prostate is a gland in males that surrounds the urethra (the tube that carries urine from the bladder out through the penis).

●In a hospital, operating room, or procedure area – These biopsies are more complicated. They often involve taking a sample from organs or tissues deeper inside the body. You might need medicines to help you relax or numbing medicines. Sometimes, you get general anesthesia to put you to sleep. Examples include:

•Surgical biopsy – This involves making a cut (incision) over the area to take a sample of tissue.

•Endoscopic biopsy – The doctor uses a "scope," which is a thin tube with a camera on the end that lets them see inside the body. They use special tools to remove a small sample of tissue.

•Percutaneous biopsy – "Percutaneous" means through the skin. Doctors use a needle to remove a small sample of tissue or fluid from deep within the body. They usually use imaging to help guide them. (Imaging creates pictures of the inside of the body.)

•Endovascular biopsy – "Endovascular" means through a blood vessel. Doctors place a thin tube called a "catheter" into a blood vessel in the neck or groin. Then, they move the catheter to the area being biopsied. They place a special needle through the catheter to take tissue samples.

Your doctor will recommend which type of biopsy to have, and where to have it, based on:

●Your health

●The size and location of the area, as well as how deep it is

●What the area looks like on an ultrasound or other imaging test

How do I prepare for a biopsy? — 

The doctor or nurse will tell you if you need to do anything special to prepare. This depends on your situation, the type of biopsy, and where on your body the biopsy will be done.

Before the biopsy, you might be asked to:

●Temporarily stop taking certain medicines

●Avoid eating or drinking, or follow a special diet, for a period of time

Ask the doctor or nurse if you have questions or if there is anything you do not understand.

What happens during a biopsy? — 

This depends on the type of biopsy. In general:

●Depending on the situation, you might get an "IV," which is a thin tube that goes into a vein. This can be used to give you fluids and medicines.

●You might get medicines to make sure you do not feel pain during the biopsy. You might also get medicines to help you relax.

●The doctor might use a CT scan, ultrasound, or other imaging test. Imaging creates pictures of the inside of the body. This helps the doctor take the biopsy from the correct area.

●The doctor will remove a sample of tissue or fluid. You might feel pressure during this, but it should not hurt.

●The doctor will hold pressure on the area. They might use stitches, skin glue, or medical tape to close any incisions and stop bleeding. If needed, they will cover the area with clean bandages.

What happens after a biopsy? — 

If you had anesthesia, the staff will watch you closely as it wears off. You might have to lie in a certain position for a time. Most people can go home the same day.

Your doctor or nurse will tell you when to expect the results. Biopsy results are most often available within a few days to a week. Discuss all test results with your doctor. They can help you understand what they mean.

What are the risks of a biopsy? — 

Your doctor will talk to you about all the possible risks, and answer your questions. Possible risks include:

●Bleeding inside or outside the body

●Infection

●Injury to nearby organs

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