Biopsi

Biopsi is a medical procedure in which tissue or cells are removed from the body for examination by a pathologist. The aim is to establish a diagnosis, determine the severity of a disease, or guide treatment decisions. Biopsies are commonly performed when imaging or clinical examination does not yield a definite diagnosis or when cancer is suspected. Samples may be taken from skin, breast, lung, liver, kidney, bone marrow, or other organs, and are analyzed microscopically to identify disease processes.

There are several biopsy methods. Needle biopsy uses a thin needle to collect a sample; fine-needle aspiration yields cells, while core needle biopsy retrieves a larger, tissue-like piece. Incisional biopsy removes only part of a lesion, while excisional biopsy removes the entire lesion. Endoscopic biopsy uses an endoscope to reach internal sites. Dermatologic biopsies include punch or shave techniques for skin lesions. Bone marrow biopsy collects marrow from a bone.

The procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia; in some cases sedation or general anesthesia is used. For deep or difficult-to-reach areas, imaging guidance such as ultrasound, CT, or MRI may improve accuracy. Samples are labeled and sent to a pathology laboratory for processing.

In the lab, a pathologist examines the tissue under a microscope and may perform special stains or molecular tests to characterize the disease. The findings contribute to a diagnosis, staging or grading of cancer, and information that helps plan treatment. Additional sampling may be required if results are inconclusive.

Risks include pain at the site, bleeding, infection, and, rarely, injury to surrounding structures. Healing times and aftercare depend on the site and method used. Most biopsies provide results within days to a couple of weeks, depending on the needed tests.