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Biopsy

A biopsy is a medical procedure in which a small sample of tissue or cells is removed from the body for examination under a microscope. The primary purpose of a biopsy is to diagnose or rule out diseases, particularly cancer, by analyzing the tissue for abnormalities.

Key Aspects of a Biopsy:

Purpose:

  • Cancer Diagnosis: Biopsies are most commonly used to determine if a tumor is benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous).
  • Other Conditions: They can also diagnose infections, inflammation, and other non-cancerous conditions.

Types of Biopsies:

  • Needle Biopsy: A needle is used to extract tissue or fluid from a lump or suspicious area. It can be further categorized as:
    • Fine-Needle Aspiration (FNA): Uses a thin needle to remove a small amount of tissue or fluid.
    • Core Needle Biopsy: Uses a larger needle to remove a core of tissue.
  • Surgical Biopsy: Involves making an incision to remove a larger piece of tissue or an entire lump. It can be:
    • Excisional Biopsy: The entire lump or suspicious area is removed.
    • Incisional Biopsy: Only a portion of the abnormal tissue is removed.
  • Endoscopic Biopsy: Tissue samples are taken during an endoscopy, where a tube with a camera is inserted into the body to reach the area of interest.
  • Skin Biopsy: A sample of skin is removed using a blade or punch tool to diagnose skin conditions or diseases.

Procedure:

  • The type of biopsy performed depends on the location and nature of the suspicious area. Local or general anesthesia may be used, depending on the procedure.
  • The tissue sample is sent to a laboratory where a pathologist examines it under a microscope to detect abnormalities or disease.

Risks:

  • While biopsies are generally safe, they carry some risks, such as bleeding, infection, or pain at the biopsy site.

Results:

  • Biopsy results typically take a few days to a week, depending on the complexity of the analysis. The results are crucial in determining the presence of disease and guiding further treatment..
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