biopsiesprocedures

Biopsy procedures are medical techniques used to obtain tissue or cellular samples for examination under a microscope. The goal is to diagnose disease, determine prognosis, and guide treatment. They are performed in various locations and settings, and the choice of method depends on the suspected condition, lesion location, and the needed sample type.

Common categories include percutaneous needle biopsies (fine-needle aspiration and core needle biopsy), surgical biopsies (incisional and excisional), skin biopsies (punch, shave, and excisional), and bone marrow biopsies. Endoscopic biopsies are performed during procedures such as bronchoscopy or colonoscopy. Samples may be cytology (cells obtained by fine-needle aspiration) or histology (tissue cores or sections). Image-guided approaches using ultrasound, CT, or MRI help target deeper or harder-to-reach lesions.

Preparation typically includes informed consent, review of coagulation status, and management of anticoagulants if applicable. Local anesthesia and/or sedation may be used. The collected specimen is sent to pathology for fixation, processing, and interpretation. Pathology reports categorize findings as benign, malignant, inflammatory, infectious, or nondiagnostic, and may include additional studies such as immunohistochemistry or molecular testing.

Indications include suspicion of cancer, infection, inflammatory or autoimmune disease, staging, or monitoring response to therapy. Risks are procedure-dependent and may include bleeding, infection, pain, injury to nearby structures, and sampling error or nondiagnostic results. Post-procedure care involves site care, activity restrictions as advised, and follow-up for results. Turnaround times vary, and results guide further diagnostic steps or treatment planning.