Biopsy

A biopsy is a procedure to remove a sample of tissue from the body for examination under a microscope. Biopsies are done to find out if an abnormal area is cancerous or non-cancerous.

Tissue or cell samples can be taken from almost any part of the body. The type of biopsy done depends on the area of the body to be biopsied and the type of possible cancer.

Some biopsies remove fluid from the body to be examined. These are called liquid biopsies.

A biopsy may be done to:

• look for cancer
• diagnose or rule out cancer
• find out the stage of a cancer
• find out the grade of a cancer

Depending on the type of biopsy, it may be done as an outpatient or in-patient procedure in a clinic or hospital. You may be given a local anesthetic or a general anesthetic depending on where the biopsy is going to be done.

• A biopsy may remove a small amount of tissue or a whole tumour.
• Imaging techniques such as an ultrasound or a CT scan may be used to help find the area where the tissue is to be removed.
• Biopsies may be done during an endoscopy.
• Samples of tissue can be removed with a special needle, a brush, a scalpel or another instrument.
• Cells, tissues or fluids that are removed are sent to a lab to be looked at under a microscope.

Doctors take steps to prevent cells from the area being tested from spreading into the surrounding healthy tissue during a biopsy.

There are several different kinds of biopsies:

• bone marrow aspiration and biopsy
• core biopsy
• fine needle aspiration
• lumbar puncture
• punch biopsy
• sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB)
• shave biopsy
• surgical biopsy
• wire localization biopsy

Side effects of a biopsy depend mainly on the type of biopsy and where it is done. Tell your healthcare team if you have side effects that you think are from the biopsy. The sooner you tell them of any problems, the sooner they can suggest ways to help you deal with them.

Side effects of a biopsy may include:

• pain
• bleeding
• hematomas
• infection (red, warm or painful skin where the biopsy was done)
• nerve damage
• scarring

Biopsy samples are sent to a pathology lab. A pathologist (a doctor who specializes in the causes and nature of disease) looks at the cells to see if they contain cancer. The pathology report shows the type of cells present, their characteristics and whether they are normal, cancerous or abnormal but non-cancerous.

If the report shows that the cells are cancerous, they may need to be studied further. You may need further tests to find out the type of tumour, how fast the cells are growing and if cancer cells have spread to the surrounding normal tissue.

Find out more about cell and tissue studies.

Your doctor will decide whether further tests, procedures, follow-up care or additional treatment are needed.

Preparing children before a test or procedure can lower anxiety, increase cooperation and help them develop coping skills. Preparation includes explaining to children what will happen during the test, such as what they will see, feel and hear.

Preparing your child for the test depends on their age and experience. Find out more about helping your child cope with tests and treatments.