biopsied

Biopsied is the past tense form of biopsy, a medical procedure in which tissue or cells are removed from a living body for examination. A biopsy is performed to establish a diagnosis, determine the nature of a lesion, assess cancer type or grade, detect infection, or monitor response to treatment.

Biopsies can be performed through several methods. Common approaches include fine-needle aspiration (FNA) and core needle biopsy (CNB), which collect cells or a cylinder of tissue using imaging guidance. Excisional or incisional biopsy removes all or part of a lesion through surgery. Dermatologic biopsies may use shave, punch, or pocket techniques. Biopsies may be guided by ultrasound, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, or endoscopy to target the area of concern.

After removal, specimens are fixed and processed for histopathologic examination by a pathologist. The report may describe the tissue architecture, cellular features, and any special tests, such as immunohistochemistry or molecular analyses. Findings can be diagnostic, indicating benign disease, malignancy, or specific inflammatory or infectious processes. In oncologic cases, margins and tumor grade may be reported and influence treatment decisions.

Risks associated with biopsies include bleeding, infection, pain, and injury to nearby structures. A non-diagnostic or inconclusive sample may necessitate a repeat biopsy. Timing for results varies but commonly ranges from a few days to a week or more, depending on testing complexity and laboratory workflows.