Definition
A biopsy is a test of tissue from the body. A lab will check the sample to look for signs of change or disease.
Reasons for Procedure
This test is done to look for the cause of:
- Infection
- Swelling
- Growth
It may also be done to find out if there is cancer or to help diagnose:
Possible Complications
Problems are rare, but all procedures have some risk. The doctor will go over some problems that could happen, such as
- Excessive bleeding
- Problems from anesthesia, such as wheezing or sore throat
- Infection
- Scarring
Smoking may raise the risk of problems.
What to Expect
Prior to Procedure
The biopsy team may meet with you to talk about:
- Anesthesia options
- Any allergies you may have
- Current medicines, herbs, and supplements that you take and whether you need to stop taking them before the biopsy
- Fasting before the biopsy, such as avoiding food or drink after midnight the night before
- Whether you need a ride to and from the biopsy
Anesthesia
The doctor may give:
- General anesthesia—you will be asleep
- Local anesthesia—the area will be numbed
Description of the Procedure
There are many ways to do a biopsy, such as:
- Needle biopsy—a thin needle is used to remove cells
- Aspiration biopsy—a hollow needle uses suction to remove cells
- Core needle biopsy—tissue is removed using a hollow core needle that has a special cutting edge
- Vacuum-assisted biopsy—many samples of tissue are taken using a special rotating probe
- Endoscopic biopsy—a long, thin tube is used to pass other tools through and remove tissue
- Incisional biopsy—a part of a growth is cut out
- Excisional biopsy—a growth is fully removed, such as a breast lump
- Punch biopsy —a sample with many layers of skin is removed with a special tool
- Skin biopsy —a small piece of skin is cut off with a scalpel
- Shave biopsy—top layers of skin are shaved off with a special blade
- Bone marrow biopsy —a long needle passes into bone to collect marrow cells
Bone Marrow Biopsy |
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How Long Will It Take?
A simple biopsy will only take a few minutes. It will take longer during a surgery.
Will It Hurt?
Pain and swelling are common in the first few days. Medicine and home care can help.
Average Hospital Stay
You will be able to go home after a simple biopsy. If you had surgery, you may need to stay for 1 to 2 days.
Post-procedure Care
The staff may give you pain medicines after the biopsy.
Recovery will depend on the location of the biopsy and how much was taken. It may take 2 to 10 days to get the results. Your doctor will share the results with you.
Call Your Doctor
Call the doctor if you are not getting better or you have:
- Signs of infection, such as fever and chills
- Redness, swelling, more pain, bleeding, or leaking fluid
- Pain that you cannot control with the medicine you have been given
- New or worsening symptoms
If you think you have an emergency, call for medical help right away.
RESOURCES
American Cancer Society http://www.cancer.org
American College of Surgeons https://www.facs.org
References
Biopsies—overview. Radiology Info—Radiological Society of North America website. Available at: https://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?pg=biopgen. Accessed September 15, 2020.
Biopsy. Cancer.Net website. Available at: https://www.cancer.net/navigating-cancer-care/diagnosing-cancer/tests-and-procedures/biopsy. Accessed September 15, 2020.
Revision Information
- Reviewer: EBSCO Medical Review Board Shawna Grubb, RN
- Review Date: 03/2021
- Update Date: 03/23/2021