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Biopsies can be performed on any part of the body and are recommended when there are abnormalities in tissues, such as inflammation, ulcers, swelling, pigmentation, growths, or cysts.
The type of biopsy performed depends on the purpose and the body part being examined:
Shave Biopsy: This involves scraping off a small sample of skin cells. It is typically used to examine unusual moles or skin growths.
Punch Biopsy: A small, circular tool is used to remove a sample of tissue from a suspicious growth or lesion for further examination.
Excisional or Incisional Biopsy: A scalpel is used to remove a tissue sample. This type of biopsy can also serve as a treatment for certain infections or lesions.
Needle Biopsy: A needle is used to extract cells from a tumor or mass for analysis. This type is often used for larger masses or solid organs.
Endoscopic or Laparoscopic Biopsy: A small incision is made, and an endoscope with a camera is inserted to view and extract tissue samples.
Perioperative Biopsy: This biopsy is performed during another procedure or surgery.
Bone Marrow Biopsy: A core needle is used to collect a sample of bone marrow, usually from the spine, to check for cancers or infections.
Before the biopsy, your doctor will provide specific instructions. Here’s what to expect during preparation:
Discuss your medical history with your doctor, including any recent illnesses or surgeries.
Inform your doctor of any medications or supplements you’re taking, as some may need to be temporarily stopped.
Let your doctor know if you have any allergies to medications.
If you are pregnant, inform your doctor, as some procedures, such as endoscopy, may not be suitable.
Ask your doctor about diet and fluid intake before the procedure.
Your doctor will explain the procedure step by step before it begins.
A biopsy is generally a simple and noninvasive procedure compared to surgery. Some types of biopsy, such as noninvasive biopsies, can be performed in a clinic as an outpatient procedure. For breast cancer diagnosis, needle biopsies may be performed in cancer centers without the need for sedatives, with the doctor guiding you through the process.
For core needle biopsies, you may need to stay in the hospital for a few hours or a day. These procedures are often done under image guidance. An intravenous (IV) line may be placed for medication administration, and a sedative may be provided depending on the biopsy type. For proliferative growths, a punch biopsy may be used, while incisional biopsies are preferred for ulceroinfiltrative lesions.