Health is important for all living beings, and we try many ways to maintain it. With advancing technology, we can now get more accurate results and diagnoses, making human health safer. But do you know how the diagnosis of tissues or cells taken from the body is made? Here are the details of what a biopsy is and how it is performed…

What is a biopsy? How is it performed?

One of the diagnoses made in the health field is a biopsy. A biopsy is a medical procedure performed for the diagnosis and treatment of abnormal tissues or cells in the body. There are different types of biopsies that can be applied in various ways depending on the patient and are generally chosen based on the patient’s health condition. The tissue or cell sample taken during the biopsy is sent to a laboratory for pathological examination, and the results are awaited for diagnosis.

During the examination, the tissue is examined under a microscope, and additional tests may be requested if necessary. Biopsy results help doctors make accurate diagnoses and draw up appropriate treatment plans, leading to clearer results.

Types of Biopsies

A biopsy can be performed in different ways depending on the patient’s health condition or the area where the tissue is taken. Here are the types of biopsies:

Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsy (FNAB)

A thin needle is used to take a tissue or cell sample, typically from surface or near-surface masses. This type of biopsy, which can be performed with local anesthesia, is usually applied for diagnosing and identifying small masses such as thyroid nodules, lymph nodes, and lung nodules.

Core Needle (Tru-cut) Biopsy

This type of biopsy, used to obtain larger tissue samples, is performed using a thick needle. It is typically used for larger masses such as in the breast, liver, and prostate, and it can be divided into three types: core needle (cutting tool), vacuum-assisted (vacuum device), and stereotactic (computerized imaging).

Endoscopic Biopsy

This type of biopsy is used to take tissue from internal organs such as the stomach, intestines, and lungs, performed using a thin, camera-equipped, lighted, and flexible tube. Tissue samples are taken with small tools passed through the endoscope and sent to the laboratory.

Surgical Biopsy

This biopsy type, performed with general or local anesthesia, is used to take tissue from larger or deeper masses. Tissue samples are taken through open surgery or laparoscopic methods, but surgical biopsy is typically applied when other methods do not yield results or clear answers.

Skin Biopsy

This type of biopsy, performed using punch biopsy, excisional biopsy, or shave biopsy methods, involves taking a tissue sample with local anesthesia. It is applied for examining lesions or abnormal tissues on the skin and is performed with a small tool.

Why is a biopsy performed? What should be considered before and after?

A biopsy is performed to determine whether a mass detected in any part of the body during an examination contains cancer cells and is known as the most definitive method for cancer diagnosis. It also plays an important role in determining the treatment process.

No preparation other than medication is required before a biopsy, but it is beneficial to consult your doctor. The process may vary if the patient is taking medication or has an illness. In case of pregnancy or suspected pregnancy, the doctor should be informed.

After the biopsy, it is recommended not to stand up for at least six hours following the doctor’s guidance. During this period, blood pressure, pulse, and respiratory values are monitored, and urine tests and complete blood counts are conducted for bleeding and other symptoms. Since there may be differences among biopsy types, you should consult your doctor for the most accurate information.

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