Biopsier

Biopsier is a term used in some languages to describe the act of obtaining a tissue sample from a living person for diagnostic examination. It is most commonly used as a verb meaning 'to biopsy.' In English, the standard verb is 'to biopsy' and the noun is 'biopsy.' The underlying goal is to harvest tissue with minimal harm to determine the presence of disease, such as cancer, infection, or inflammatory conditions.

Biopsier procedures vary by tissue type and clinical context. Common methods include needle biopsies (fine-needle aspiration and core needle biopsy), incisional and excisional surgical biopsies, punch biopsies for skin, and endoscopic or image-guided biopsies (guided by ultrasound, CT, or MRI). The choice depends on the lesion's location, size, and suspected pathology.

Indications: diagnostic confirmation when imaging or clinical exam is inconclusive; staging and grading of cancers; assessment of infectious or inflammatory processes; and sometimes genetic or molecular testing. The samples are sent to pathology for histology, cytology, microbiology, or molecular analysis.

Risks and limitations: most biopsies are safe but carry risks such as bleeding, infection, pain, and rare injury to surrounding structures. Sampling error or non-diagnostic samples can occur, necessitating repeat procedures or alternate approaches.

Handling and outcomes: tissue is preserved, fixed, and processed for microscopic evaluation. Pathology reports provide diagnostic impressions and, when applicable, margins, grade, or molecular findings to guide treatment planning.