BiopsyDefinition A biopsy is the removal of a small piece of tissue for microscopic examination and/or culture, often to help the physician make a diagnosis. How the test is performed The method of tissue removal varies among the type of biopsies:
If the tissue to be sampled is in the abdomen and cannot be safely accessed with a needle or closed procedure, an open biopsy must be performed in the operating room. How to prepare for the test Check with your physician about stopping medications that can predispose to bleeding, such as aspirin, Coumadin, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs). Also mention any herbal preparations you are taking. Never change your medication regimen without first checking with your physician. How the test will feel In a needle biopsy, you will feel a small sharp pinch at the site of the biopsy. In an open or closed biopsy, local or general anesthesia is generally used to make the procedure pain free. Why the test is performed A biopsy may be performed to obtain healthy tissue so it can be evaluated for transplant tissue-type matching. Biospsies are more often done to obtain unhealthy tissue to diagnose disease. Normal Values Normal tissue. What abnormal results mean Abnormal biopsies mean that the material obtained differs from the usual structure or condition of the tissue. Abnormal results may indicate the presence of disease, such as cancer, depending on the particular case. What the risks are
Special considerations Please see the following list of tests or procedures to obtain more information on why each one is performed, how it is performed, the risks, and normal and abnormal results:
Page Content: Tissue sampling |