Biopsy

Biopsy

What does a biopsy involve?

A biopsy entails extracting a tissue sample from the body for examination, typically under a microscope, aiding in diagnosis. Consequently, only minute samples suffice.

In some cases, a simple scraping may suffice, such as with cervical smear tests.

During a colon examination, a biopsy can be procured using forceps through an endoscope.

Alternatively, for procedures like liver or kidney biopsies, a large hypodermic needle is employed.

Liver Biopsy

Liver biopsies confirm diagnoses like hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, or tumors.

The procedure usually involves the patient lying on their left side with their right shoulder extended and hand under their head. They must remain still while a local anesthetic numbs the skin. A needle is then guided between ribs to extract the biopsy swiftly.

Endometrial Biopsy

This biopsy examines the womb lining, often revealing hormone imbalances, polyps, or tumors causing irregular periods or abnormal vaginal bleeding.

Various methods exist for endometrial biopsies.

Dilation and Curettage (D&C)

This traditional gynecological procedure, now less common, involves gradually dilating the cervix with rounded sticks, then using a curette to obtain a womb lining sample under short general anesthesia.

Hysteroscopy

A modern alternative involves inserting a fiber-optic tube through the cervix for direct visualization of the womb lining. Biopsy forceps can be used under local or general anesthesia.

Prostate Biopsy

Performed without anesthesia, this biopsy is indicated by abnormalities found during a digital rectal examination (DRE) or elevated PSA levels. The procedure, often guided by ultrasound, involves multiple needle insertions into the prostate.

Skin Biopsy

For suspicious skin changes, a punch biopsy may be performed under local anesthesia, removing a small cylindrical skin sample leaving a minimal scar.

Bone Marrow Biopsy

This diagnostic tool, often taken from the hip bone, involves extracting marrow using a needle for examination under a microscope.

Breast Biopsy

To assess breast lumps, fine-needle aspiration (FNA) or surgical biopsy may be performed.

Small Intestine Biopsy

Capsule endoscopy is used to obtain samples from the small intestine, beneficial in conditions like coeliac disease.

Kidney Biopsy

Usually taken from the back, a kidney biopsy helps diagnose conditions like tumors or inflammation. The patient must hold their breath briefly to prevent kidney movement.