Definition of Biopsy:

A biopsy is the removal of a small piece of tissue for laboratory examination.

How the test is performed:

There are several different types of biopsies.

A needle (percutaneous) biopsy removes tissue using a hollow tube called a syringe. A needle is passed several times through the tissue being examined. The surgeon uses the needle to remove the tissue sample. Needle biopsies are often done using x-rays (usually CT scan or ultrasound), which guide the surgeon to the right area.

An open biopsy is a surgical procedure that uses local or general anesthesia. This means you are relaxed (sedated) or asleep and pain-free during the procedure. The procedure is done in a hospital operating room. The surgeon makes a cut into the affected area, and the tissue is removed.

Closed biopsy uses a much smaller surgical cut than open biopsy. A small cut is made so that a camera-like instrument can be inserted. This instrument helps guide the surgeon to the right place to take the sample.

How to prepare for the test:

Ask your health care provider if you need to stop taking any medications before surgery, particularly those that can make you bleed. Such medications include aspirin, Coumadin, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs).

Also mention any herbal preparations you are taking. Never stop or change your medications without first talking to your health care provider.

How the test will feel:

In a needle biopsy, you will feel a small sharp pinch at the site of the biopsy. In an open or closed biopsy, local or general anesthesia is often used to make the procedure pain-free.

Why the test is performed:

A biopsy is most often done to examine tissue for disease.

Normal Values:

The tissue removed is normal.

What abnormal results mean:

An abnormal biopsy means that the tissue or cells have an unusual structure, shape, size, or condition.

This may mean you have a disease, such as cancer, but it depends on your biopsy.

What the risks are:

• Bleeding
• Infection

Special considerations:

Please see the following list of tests or procedures to get more information on why each one is performed, how it is performed, the risks, and normal and abnormal results:

• Abdominal wall fat pad biopsy
• Biopsy of the biliary tract
• Bladder biopsy
• Bone lesion biopsy
• Bone marrow biopsy
• Breast biopsy
• Carpal tunnel biopsy
• Chorionic villus biopsy
• Cold cone biopsy
• Colposcopy-directed biopsy
• Endometrial biopsy
• Gum biopsy
• Liver biopsy
• Lung needle biopsy
• Lymph node biopsy
• Mediastinoscopy with biopsy
• Muscle biopsy
• Myocardial biopsy
• Nasal mucosal biopsy
• Nerve biopsy
• Open lung biopsy
• Open pleural biopsy
• Oropharynx lesion biopsy
• Pleural needle biopsy
• Polyps biopsy
• Rectal biopsy
• Renal biopsy
• Salivary gland biopsy
• Skin lesion biopsy
• Skinny-needle biopsy
• Synovial biopsy
• Testicular biopsy
• Tongue biopsy
• Upper airway biopsy
• Ureteral retrograde brush biopsy cytology