- By Dr. Abhik Banerjee, Zonal Technical Chief, East Zone, Apollo Diagnostics Kolkata
Many are often advised to undergo a biopsy to determine if they are at risk of cancer. However, a large number of people fail to understand what exactly it is. A biopsy is a simple yet crucial medical procedure that helps doctors diagnose diseases accurately and guide effective treatment. Here, the experts help to understand the importance of biopsy, types, and how it is done. Do it without any delay if recommended by the doctor.
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| Dr. Abhik Banerjee |
A biopsy is a medical test where a small sample of tissue, cells, or fluid is taken from the body for detailed examination under a microscope. It helps to determine whether a tissue is normal, inflamed, or affected by disease such as cancer. Biopsies are considered one of the most reliable methods for confirming a diagnosis.
Types of Biopsy
There are several types of biopsies, depending on the location and condition of the tissue
• Needle Biopsy: Here, a thin needle is used to extract tissue or fluid from an organ or lump.
• Endoscopic Biopsy: During this type of biopsy, tissue is collected using a thin tube with a camera (endoscope) inserted into the body.
• Surgical Biopsy: A small surgery is performed to remove a part or the entire suspicious area.
• Skin Biopsy: Used for skin conditions, a small piece of skin is removed for testing.
• Core Biopsy: A larger needle extracts a cylinder-shaped sample of tissue for detailed study. The doctor will decide the appropriate biopsy for you.
* How is a biopsy performed?
The procedure depends on the type of biopsy. For needle or core biopsies, local anesthesia is applied to numb the area, and the doctor carefully removes the tissue. In surgical biopsies, a minor operation may be performed under local or general anesthesia. The collected sample is then sent to a laboratory for analysis. Most biopsies cause minimal discomfort because anesthesia is used. Patients may feel slight pressure, a pinprick, or mild soreness after the procedure, but serious pain is uncommon. Don’t panic or fret, as there is no intense pain.
Biopsies are important and help in diagnosing diseases accurately. They should be opted for without any hesitation. They help identify cancer, infections, autoimmune disorders, and other conditions that may not be visible through imaging tests alone. Early and precise diagnosis enables doctors to plan effective treatment, improving patient outcomes and saving lives. Remember that it is a safe and essential medical procedure that gives doctors a clear understanding of a disease. Identifying problems early allows timely treatment and better management of health conditions. So, take charge of your health and do it right away!
Role of clinical laboratory:
Once the biopsy sample is received by laboratory, pathologist checks the tissue under microscope after processing. The entire process is known as histopathology. The tissue processing involves many steps like grossing, taking sections, preparing paraffin blocks, mounting, staining etc. usually done by laboratory technologist. Basis the microscopic diagnosis done by a pathologist, decision regarding further management of the patient is taken by surgeon or physician. Hence histopathology or biopsy examination by Pathologist is of paramount importance and is often considered as "Gold standard" for diagnosis of various diseases including cancer.
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