In the era of advanced medical diagnostics, a biopsy stands as an important procedure, which provides invaluable insights into a patient's health condition. From confirming suspicions to deciding treatment protocols, biopsies play a pivotal role in modern healthcare

What is a biopsy?

A biopsy is a medical test in which a piece of tissue or a sample of cell is removed from the body for examination under a microscope to determine the presence or extent of a disease. Doctors perform a biopsy when you exhibit symptoms concerning a certain health condition or disease. The extracted sample is examined by a pathologist to identify abnormalities, such as cancerous cells or signs of infection.

What are different types of biopsies and how are they performed?

While all biopsies are done to extract sample of tissues, cells, or fluids but there are different types of biopsies and each of them are done in different ways. Biopsies are performed using various techniques depending on the nature and location of the suspected abnormality.

1. Bone marrow biopsy: Bone marrow biopsy is performed by taking a small amount of bone marrow (a soft spongy material found inside large bones of the body like the hip or femur of the leg that produces blood.) fluid or solid bone marrow tissue using a special biopsy needle and syringe. This type of biopsy is done to check for a blood disorder or blood cancer, such as leukemia or lymphoma.

2. Needle biopsy: Needle biopsy is the most common type of biopsies which is performed when an unusual lump or a mass can be felt through the skin. There are multiple types of needle biopsy:

a) Core needle biopsy: In this type of biopsy a fine needle is attached to a syringe, by which fluids and cells can be drawn out.

b) Image-guided biopsy: Image-guided biopsies are guided with imaging procedures such as X-ray, CT scans or MRI so that specific areas like lungs or liver can be accessed.

c) Vacuum-assisted biopsy:  Vacuum-assisted biopsy use suction device from a vacuum to collect cells or tissue sample.

3. Liquid Biopsy: In this type of biopsy a blood test is carried out to detect presence of cancerous cells.

4. Shave and Punch biopsy: These types of biopsies are most commonly done for skin biopsy. If you have a rash or lesion on your skin which is suspicious for a certain condition, the doctor performs biopsy of the involved area of skin.

In a shave biopsy uses a razor to scrape up a small sample from the surface of the skin.

Whereas in a punch biopsy a small circular instrument is pushed through the surface of the skin to take a sample of tissue.

5. Cone biopsy: Cone biopsy is done to remove abnormal tissue from the cervix to detect cervical cancer. It is also known as conization or cold knife biopsy.

6. Surgical biopsy: In this type of biopsy, the surgeon makes an incision (cut) into the skin to remove suspicious tissue

What happens before a biospy?

Being anxious about a medical procedure is common and sometimes causes anxiety. Talking to your doctor about ways to cope up with these feelings might be helpful.

Pre biopsy preparation may be required before a biopsy on the part of the patient such as bowel prep, clear liquid diet, or nothing by mouth. Generally, doctors instruct the patients on what to do before the procedure. Moreover, few important information such as current health status, current medications, any kind of allergies, pregnancy etc if any must be informed to the doctor beforehand.

Additionally, your doctor will explain which type of Anesthesia (Local, regional, general) may or may not be used so that you do not experience pain during the procedure.

What happens after a biospy?

Recovery after a biopsy depends on the type of biopsy done. You might be able to go back to normal activities as soon as the test is over. Or you may need to rest at home for some time or stay in the hospital for recovery.

Biopsy: Not a Treatment, But a Crucial Step towards Determining Your Line of Treatment

It is important to understand that biopsies are not treatments themselves but they provide vital diagnostic information about your health condition. They serve as an initial step towards determining the appropriate course of action. Once the results of a biopsy are obtained, doctors can work out a comprehensive treatment strategy, which may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or a combination thereof.

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