Biopsies
Biopsies
A biopsy is a procedure to remove cells, tissue or fluid for examination by a medical pathologist. Healthcare providers do biopsies when they identify areas of concern or if you have symptoms or signs of certain conditions. There are different types of biopsy procedures.
A biopsy is one of the ways healthcare providers determine what’s going on in your body. In a biopsy, a provider removes samples of your tissue, cells or fluids so a medical pathologist can examine them for signs of disease. Providers may recommend biopsies to diagnose or monitor medical conditions or to plan treatment.
You may hear the term “biopsy” and think “cancer,” but providers do biopsies to diagnose many medical conditions, like:
- Inflammatory disorders, such as in your kidney (nephritis) or liver (hepatitis).
- Infections, like tuberculosis.
- Immune disorders, such as chronic pancreatitis.
- Peptic ulcer disease.
- Endometriosis.
Types of biopsies
All biopsies are procedures to obtain samples of tissue and fluid, but they’re done in different ways. Healthcare providers may do biopsies in medical offices or operating rooms. Biopsy types include:
- Bone marrow biopsy: Providers use a special biopsy needle and syringe to obtain a small sample of bone marrow. They do bone marrow biopsies to diagnose blood cancers, blood disorders and other diseases.
- Cone biopsy: Also known as conization or cold knife biopsy, providers do cone biopsies to remove abnormal tissue from your cervix. Cone biopsies may detect cervical cancer or cervical dysplasia that could lead to cancer.
- Excisional biopsy or incisional biopsies: In these procedures, providers make incisions or cuts in your body to remove tissue from inside your body. Excisional biopsies involve removing entire lumps or suspicious areas. Incisional biopsies involve taking tissue samples of lumps or suspicious areas.
- Liquid biopsy: This blood test detects signs of cancerous cells or cancer cell DNA.
- Needle biopsy: Providers use needle biopsies to extract cells, fluid or tissues. Your provider may order a needle biopsy if they feel an unusual lump or bump on your body or imaging tests detect potential issues.
- Punch biopsy: Providers use a special device to remove tissue that may be cancerous. Providers use a special device that punches a hole in your skin’s surface.
- Sentinel node biopsy: Providers do this procedure to see if cancer cells have spread from an original tumor.
- Shave biopsy: Providers use a razor to scrape up a small sample of skin cells to detect skin cancer.