Biopsy

The different uses of a biopsy are many A biopsy is a procedure that removes a sample of tissue from the body. After the samples are taken, they are examined under a microscope for cells that may be damaged or infected with the disease (if any). Depending on the type of biopsy, there are different procedures and instruments that are used to take samples. For example, when taking a sample from the cervix, simply scraping the area to obtain cells will suffice. On the other hand, if it is a lung biopsy, a sample of the actual lung, is taken to determine whether the tumor is malignant, benign, diseased, or infected.

In most cases, a biopsy is performed on a patient that has been given a local anesthetic. There are three different forms of biopsy procedures that could be helpful in the diagnosis of a patient. The first one is a needle biopsy, where the tissue containing the cells is removed through a syringe. The second is what is known as an open biopsy (this uses a general anesthesia) where the doctor makes an incision near the questionable area in order to remove a sample. The patient is not awake during this procedure. The last type that is most common is a closed biopsy, which is when a doctor makes a small incision (even smaller than an open biopsy) and that tissue is examined using a microscopic instrument and light. CT scans and x-rays can also be used to accompany these procedures, but depending on the circumstance, the doctor will determine what the best alternative is for the patient.

Lung related cancers, such as mesothelioma, are best diagnosed with a biopsy. It is more than likely that the biopsy performed will require that a piece of the tissue be removed from the infected area. Since mesothelioma is so rare, it is important that the testing is accurate. From there the doctor will examine it under a microscope and determine whether or not the tissue is cancerous. Biopsy is a way for doctors to distinguish mesothelioma from the other types of lung related diseases because its symptoms sometimes closely resemble other illnesses that are not as life-threatening. Mesothelioma is a difficult cancer to treat after the biopsy proves that it is malignant, due to the high chance of the cancer spreading to other vital organs.

Last modified: December 09 2009.