What is a biopsy and how is it done?

Health is important for all living things and we try many ways to protect our health. In addition, thanks to developing technology, human health has become safer as we can now obtain more accurate results and the accuracy of diagnoses has increased. So, do you know how to diagnose tissues or cells taken from the body? Here are the details of what Biopsy is and how it is done…

What is a biopsy? How To?

One of the diagnoses made on the health side is a biopsy. A biopsy is a medical procedure performed to diagnose and treat abnormal tissues or cells in the body. Biopsy, which has different types, can be performed in different ways from patient to patient and is generally selected according to the patient’s health condition. The tissue or cell sample taken during the biopsy is sent to the laboratory for pathological examination and the results are awaited for diagnosis.

During the examination, the tissue is examined under a microscope and additional tests may be requested if necessary. Thanks to the biopsy results, it becomes easier for doctors to make an accurate diagnosis and draw an appropriate treatment plan, and clearer results are obtained.

What are the types of biopsies?

Biopsy can be performed in different ways depending on the patient’s health condition or the area where the tissue will be taken. Here are the types of biopsies:

Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsy (FNAB)

It is the collection of tissue or cell samples by placing a thin needle into masses usually on or near the surface. This type of biopsy, for which local anesthesia can be applied, can generally be applied to diagnose small masses such as thyroid nodules, lymph nodes, and lung nodules.

Thick Needle (Tru-cut) Biopsy

The type of biopsy used to obtain larger tissue samples is performed through a thick needle. The method, which is generally used in larger masses such as breast, liver, and prostate, is divided into three types of biopsy: core needle (cutting tool), vacuum-assisted (vacuum device), and stereotactic (computer imaging).

Endoscopic Biopsy

The type of biopsy used to take tissue from internal organs such as the stomach, intestines and lungs is done through a thin, lightweight and flexible tube with a camera. Tissue samples are taken with small instruments passed through the endoscope and sent to the laboratory.

Surgical Biopsy

This type of biopsy, performed under general anesthesia or local anesthesia, is used to remove tissue from larger or deeper masses. Tissue samples are taken by open surgery or laparoscopic methods, but it is stated that surgical biopsy is generally applied when other methods cannot provide results or a clear answer is not obtained.

Skin Biopsy

Punch biopsy, excisional biopsy, or shave biopsy is the type of biopsy in which tissue samples are taken, using local anesthesia. Skin biopsy, which is performed to examine skin lesions or abnormal tissues, is performed with a small instrument.

Why is a biopsy done? What should be taken into consideration before and after?

Biopsy is performed to determine whether a mass detected in any part of the body after examination carries cancer cells and is known as the most definitive method in the diagnosis of cancer. It also plays an important role in determining the treatment process.

There is no need for any preparations other than medication before the biopsy, but it is useful to consult a doctor about this. If the patient has a medication or disease, the process may differ. In case of pregnancy or suspicion of pregnancy, the physician must be notified.

After the biopsy, it is recommended not to stand up for at least 6 hours in the following period, with the doctor’s guidance. During this process, blood pressure, pulse, and respiration values ​​are monitored, as well as urinalysis and complete blood count tests for bleeding and other symptoms. Since there may be differences between biopsy types, you should consult your doctor for the most definitive answer.

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