What Is A Biopsy?

Biopsies are an essential tool in modern medicine that can help diagnose, treat, and monitor a wide range of medical conditions, including cancer. This medical procedure involves removing a small tissue sample which is then examined under a microscope.  The term biopsy may be used in reference to both the procedure and the sample gathered. Biopsies can be performed on any part of the body, from the skin to internal organs, and provide valuable information about the health of the tissue being examined. 

What Are The Different Types Of Biopsies?

There are several types of biopsies, each with its own purpose and technique. The type of biopsy you'll have will depend on factors like where the abnormal tissue is, how big it is, and your medical background. Having some knowledge about the different types of biopsies can make it easier for you to have a conversation with your doctor and figure out which option is best suited for you. Below are a few common biopsy types:

• Needle biopsy: This type of biopsy involves the insertion of a thin needle into the area of interest to remove a small sample of tissue. There are different types of needle biopsies, including fine needle aspiration, core needle biopsy, and vacuum-assisted biopsy. Biopsies can also be image-guided, which means that imaging techniques (e.g. ultrasound, MRI, CT) are used to guide the process.
• Endoscopic biopsy: This type of biopsy involves the use of a thin, flexible tube with a camera and light on the end (endoscope), to see the area of interest and remove a sample of tissue.
• Surgical biopsy: This type of biopsy involves removing a larger sample of tissue by making a surgical incision. Surgical biopsies may be necessary when a larger sample of tissue is required for diagnosis or when a needle biopsy is not feasible. Types of surgical biopsy include incisional (removing only a part of the tumour) or excisional (removing the entire tumour).
• Sentinel lymph node biopsy:  This procedure is used in cancer diagnosis and staging. A dye or radioactive material is injected into the area around a tumour to identify the lymph nodes that are most likely to be affected. These nodes are then removed and examined for cancer cells.
• Skin biopsy: A small sample of skin is removed for examination. Types of skin biopsies include shave and punch biopsies.
• Bone marrow biopsy: A needle is used to remove a sample of bone marrow, in order to check the health of your marrow and the production of normal blood cells. This type of biopsy can be used to monitor and diagnose blood and marrow conditions, including certain types of cancer and unexplained fevers.
• Liquid biopsy: A relatively new and less invasive method, liquid biopsies do not involve analysing a tissue sample, but rather look for evidence of disease using small samples of blood or other bodily fluids. This procedure can be used alongside traditional biopsies or on their own and may be helpful for both diagnosis and monitoring.

Can A Biopsy Diagnose Cancer?

In general, biopsies are used to diagnose the cause of abnormal growths, lumps, or lesions on the skin or inside the body. A biopsy can provide valuable information about the health of the tissue being examined, and the results help to diagnose various medical conditions, including cancer, infections, and inflammatory diseases. They can also assess how severe a diagnosed condition is, and help to predict outcomes.

When it comes to cancer, biopsies play an essential role in diagnosis, staging, treatment planning, and monitoring. If you have a lump or tumour, a biopsy is the most common way to assess whether it is benign or cancerous. A biopsy can confirm the type, grade, and stage of cancer, as well as assist in monitoring the effectiveness of cancer treatment. All of this information is essential to creating a personalised treatment plan that works for you.

What Can I Expect From A Biopsy Procedure?

A biopsy is a common and safe medical procedure. A small piece of tissue is removed for laboratory analysis, in order to get more information about what is happening inside your body. While each biopsy procedure is different, having an idea of what to expect can help you feel more comfortable and prepared. 

Before the Procedure

Your doctor will explain the biopsy procedure and answer any questions you might have. You may undergo scans to help with the decision of where to take the tissue sample from. You will also be given instructions on how to prepare, which may include fasting or other specific steps, or stopping certain medications or supplements before the procedure. 

During the Procedure

The biopsy procedure typically takes less than an hour, depending on the size and location of the tissue sample needed. Local anaesthesia is usually used to numb the area beforehand. Depending on the location, the biopsy may be performed using a needle, endoscope, or other specialised equipment. The process is generally not painful, but you may feel some discomfort or pressure.

After the Procedure

After the biopsy, you may need to rest for a short period and be monitored for any complications. You might experience mild pain, swelling, or bleeding at the biopsy site, but these usually resolve within a few days. Your doctor will also give you advice on how to care for the biopsy site and when to resume your normal activities. 

You will also be told what kind of waiting period to expect before receiving the biopsy results. There are several ways in which the pathologist can examine the sample, depending on the goal of the biopsy, which means that results could take days or weeks. 

What Are The Benefits And Risks Of A Biopsy?

Biopsies offer several benefits that make them an essential tool in the diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of cancer and other medical conditions. They allow doctors to obtain a targeted sample of tissue or cells from a specific location in the body, increasing the accuracy of a diagnosis. By identifying cancer and other medical conditions accurately, doctors can develop a personalised treatment plan that maximises the chances of recovery and minimises side effects.

Some biopsies are minimally invasive and can be performed on an outpatient basis. Biopsies can also identify non-cancerous medical conditions that may be causing symptoms, such as infections or autoimmune disorders. This information can prevent patients from undergoing unnecessary treatment or surgery, and help doctors provide appropriate treatment and improve a patient's quality of life.

However, biopsies also come with some risks. While the procedure is generally safe and well-tolerated, bleeding, infection, and damage to surrounding tissues are all potential complications. Some patients may experience pain or discomfort during or after the biopsy and scarring is a possibility (depending on the type of biopsy), although these generally heal over time.

Some patients may not be suitable candidates for a biopsy depending on their health. Speak to a healthcare practitioner about whether your overall health and medical history might affect the biopsy process. Additionally, if your tumour is located in a hard-to-reach or sensitive area, a biopsy may not be possible or may pose too great a risk.

It is important to discuss the potential risks and benefits of a biopsy with your healthcare provider. Your doctor will weigh the benefits of the biopsy against the risks and your individual medical history, in order to determine if it is a safe and appropriate option for you.

Why Have A Biopsy?

When it comes to diagnosing and treating medical conditions, including cancer, biopsies are an incredibly useful tool. They provide doctors with accurate information about the type and presence of the disease, which helps them make informed decisions about the best course of treatment.

By using a biopsy to identify the specific condition accurately, doctors can then create a personalised treatment plan tailored to your needs. Although there are some potential risks associated with the procedure, the benefits of having an accurate diagnosis and an individualised treatment plan outweigh the possible complications.

If you have any concerns about undergoing a biopsy procedure or suspect you may have cancer, it is important to speak with a healthcare advisor as soon as possible.