What is Biopsy?

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is Biopsy used for?

A biopsy is a confirmatory diagnostic test most commonly used in the diagnosis of various cancers and to differentiate cancer cells from non-cancerous cells. Biopsies can be used for confirming the diagnosis of various other conditions such as hepatic cirrhosis, polycystic fibrosis of the breast, fibrosis of other tissues, invasive fungal disease, etc.

Understanding the test results of the Biopsy Test

Although biopsy reports are meant for physicians or surgeons, you might be able to interpret the test results. The report will have a macroscopic examination, i.e. observations under the naked eye, microscopic examination, i.e. detailed cellular-level structure descriptions, and invasion. The grading of the tumour will help to understand the spread and differentiation of the cells.

Why do I need a Biopsy Test?

One of the main uses of biopsy tests is to confirm the diagnosis of various cancers, autoimmune diseases, infections, invasive and inflammatory conditions. Although other tests could be used to diagnose these conditions, biopsy confirms the findings and gives the doctor confidence to start the appropriate treatment.

What happens during a Biopsy Test?

Most biopsy samples are taken in an outpatient setting and do not require hospitalization or admission except for invasive biopsies. The test is done under anesthesia to extract the skin, tissue, bone marrow, or tumour cells, through small incisions or needles. After extraction, the sample is sent for analysis. The report is usually available in 7-10 days.

Do biopsies leave scars?

Usually, all biopsies associated with incision leave a scar that could be prominent, depending upon the site of the incision and the skin area. The scars fade away gradually but could remain forever. Needle biopsy also has the risk of leaving small circular scars, while incision biopsies leave scars of the shape of the incision.

How painful is a biopsy?

Most biopsy procedures are pain-free as they are done under local or general anesthesia. You will not feel any pain in simple biopsies; however, in the case of invasive biopsies, pain could be felt once the effect of anesthesia fades away. In such complex biopsies, your doctor could give painkillers or sedatives to block the pain receptors.

What tests are done before a biopsy?

Before you undergo a biopsy, you may need to undergo various imaging tests such as Computerized Tomography (CT) scan or Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) to identify the appropriate site of the biopsy. In a few cases, you can get a prick test done to test for any allergies to the anesthesia medication.

What are the risks of biopsy?

A biopsy is usually a safe and low-risk procedure, and, during the test, care is taken to just extract the required sample. Most of the biopsies are without any major side effects; however, there is always a risk of bleeding or infection. In biopsies with small incisions or using needles, the risk is quite low.

What is the recovery time for a biopsy?

Recovery will depend upon the type of biopsy, site of extraction, age, and overall health. Recovery is marked as the closure of the incision, absence of infection/swelling, and return to normal activities. For the majority of biopsies, the recovery time can vary from 1-7 days; however, few biopsies, such as a prostate biopsy, can take up to 2-6 weeks for recovery.

Why is a second biopsy needed?

Your doctor could recommend a second biopsy in the following conditions:

• Results from the first sample are inconclusive
• Sample extracted from incorrect area
• Sample not large enough for proper examination
• Following treatment to assess the remaining disease or look for changes in tissue pathology