Biopsy

What is a biopsy?

A biopsy involves taking a small piece of tissue or some cells from your body. These are then examined in a laboratory. This helps your doctor diagnose or treat your condition.

Many different biopsy procedures exist depending on the part of your body being investigated (looked at). Some of these are:

• a punch biopsy of your skin
• a transbronchial biopsy
• a lung biopsy
• a liver biopsy
• a sentinel node biopsy
• an excision biopsy of a breast lump
• an endometrial biopsy

When is a biopsy needed?

Biopsies have many uses. They are sometimes used to check for problems like liver or kidney problems. Biopsies are also used to check if a lump is cancerous.

Examining your tissue sample under a microscope can help to diagnose a specific condition.

Biopsies can also be used to check the severity of your disease. This can help your doctor choose the best treatment for you.

How do I prepare for a biopsy?

It’s important to ask your doctor if you need to prepare for your biopsy in any way. Depending on the type of biopsy you are having you may be asked to:

• fast — not eat or drink for a period of time
• have a blood test
• stop taking certain medicines — this may include tablets, puffers or creams

What happens during a biopsy?

Exactly what happens during your biopsy depends on the type of biopsy you’re having.

A biopsy may involve cutting your skin so that the doctor can remove a small piece of tissue. In many cases, a needle can be used to remove the tissue. This can usually be done under local anaesthetic.

Sometimes imaging is used to guide the needle. This may be a:

• CT scan
• x-ray
• ultrasound

After the biopsy, you may need to have stitches or have a dressing put on.

Your tissue sample will be examined under a microscope. This will help find the cause of the problem and may mean that a definite diagnosis can be made.

Recovering from a biopsy

Some types of biopsy may involve staying in hospital for a few hours. If you’ve had a general anaesthetic, you may need to stay in overnight.

Your healthcare team will talk with you about any treatment or follow-up you need.

Your biopsy results will usually be ready within a few days. Check with your doctor how you will get them.

Possible complications from a biopsy

It’s rare to have any serious side effects after a biopsy. The spot where the biopsy was taken may be a bit bruised or sore for a few days. You may be left with a small scar. In rare cases you might have bleeding or infection where the biopsy was taken.

You should always talk to your doctor if you experience any symptoms after a biopsy that you’re worried about.

Are there any alternatives to a biopsy?

Whilst other tests such as blood tests, ultrasound or x-ray can be useful in identifying the cause of your problem, a biopsy is often needed to confirm the precise cause. A biopsy will also help your doctor suggest the best treatment for you.