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Definition
Biopsy
BiopsyA biopsy is the removal and analysis of cells or tissues from the body. Biopsies are often used in detecting cancer,but they can also help doctors monitor treatment.“We might want to see if the treatment that we're providing is actually having a positive impact on the disease.And we may even want to analyze the tumor much more specifically.”- Lawrence Wagman, MD, OncologicSurgeonThere are several different kinds of biopsies. Which one your provider recommends depends on the type andlocation of the cancer or suspicious area. In a needle biopsy, the doctor numbs an area of the skin, inserts a needle,and removes a sample.There are two main types of needle biopsies. A Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsy uses a thin, hollow needle, while aCore Biopsy uses a wider needle. Often during a Needle Biopsy, an imaging test such as an Ultrasound is used. Thisproduces pictures of the inside of the body, which help the doctor more accurately guide the needle.“The ultrasound is used with some goo, so they can find the spot. The needle is placed, usually with a littleanesthesia on the skin just to keep you from being uncomfortable, and then you're off.”- Lawrence Wagman,MD, Oncologic SurgeonDoctors can also see inside the body during a biopsy with tools such as an Endoscope or Laparoscope. These thin,flexible tubes with a light and camera on the end are inserted into the body and send images to a video monitor.Another type of biopsy, known as an Excisional Biopsy, involves cutting through the skin to remove an entire tumoror suspicious area, along with some surrounding healthy tissue. An Incisional Biopsy removes part of a tumor. Forbiopsies of the skin, doctors may do what's known as a Shave Biopsy.“Once we identify a suspicious lesion, we anesthetize it which numbs the area up so that we're able to use ascalpel to remove the lesion, or a portion, a representative portion of the lesion.”- Terry Cronin, MD,DermatologistAnother type of skin biopsy is a Punch Biopsy, which is used to get a deeper sample.“A Punch Biopsy is like a little cookie cutter biopsy of a small tumor on the skin. We can also do a punch biopsy,the edge of that tumor and take a piece out.”- Lawrence Wagman, MD, Oncologic SurgeonFor blood cancers such as Leukemia or Lymphoma, a Bone Marrow biopsy may be done. This involves using a needleto remove solid tissue from inside the bone. It’s often done along with a procedure known as bone marrowaspiration, in which fluid is removed.For certain types of biopsies, you may be given medication to relax you or general anesthesia, which makes youunconscious during the procedure. In addition to finding out what type of anesthesia you’ll receive, ask your providerquestions such as:Page 1 of 2This program is for informational purposes only. Publisher disclaims all guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness,or suitability of this video for medical decision making. For all health related issues please contact your healthcare provider.HCON1002098 EN Biopsy.pdf© The Wellness NetworkBiopsyDo I need to avoid eating or drinking, or taking certain medications beforehand? How long will the proceduretake? What are the risks? Will I feel pain? Will the biopsy leave a scar? How quickly can i return to normalactivities afterward? And when will I get the results?“It's very important for the patient to ask the doctor exactly how the results of the biopsy are going to beused because that will help them understand why the risk is worth it. It'll also help them understand whatthe next steps are going to be.”- Lawrence Wagman, MD, Oncologic SurgeonFollow instructions about taking care of the biopsied area after the procedure. And contact your provider if youexperience swelling, severe pain, fever, or excessive bleeding at the biopsy site. Your biopsy sample or sampleswill be sent to be examined by a pathologist.“That's a person who has expertise at looking at the little piece that came out, cut up even more and coloredwith different kind of dyes or treated with different type of chemicals.”- Lawrence Wagman, MD,Oncologic SurgeonKeep in mind that this process occasionally produces inaccurate results. So, if you want a second opinion aboutyour findings, don’t hesitate to ask your provider about getting one.Page 2 of 2This program is for informational purposes only. Publisher disclaims all guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness,or suitability of this video for medical decision making. For all health related issues please contact your healthcare provider.HCON1002098 EN Biopsy.pdf© The Wellness Network
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