Saturday, April 27, 2013

What is Biopsy ?

BIOPSY FOR DIAGNOSIS OF TUMORS
'Biopsy' is a common term used when it comes to diagnosis to cancer. Let's look into some facts about this surgical procedure and understand various aspects of it.

What is Biopsy?
  • Biopsy is a minor surgical procedure, where a small cell mass or tissue mass is extracted from a suspicious looking site.
Why is Biopsy needed?
  • For diagnosing a tumor mass, it is essential to first locate the tumor mass and then perform a biopsy.
  • The evidence then obtained in biopsy, is will be used to determine the histology (type) and grade of the tumor.
  • Then on, a treatment protocol can be formulated.
Facts about Biopsy:
  • The pathological interpretation of the mass obtained in a biopsy is relevant only if the 'representative section' of the tumor is extracted.
  • Biopsy is easiest if the tumor is near the surface of the skin.
  • Biopsy can be done easily if the tumor involves an orifice or a natural opening of the body like mouth, anus, etc. This makes it possible to have image-directed needle biopsy using bronchoscope, colonoscope, cystoscope, etc.
  • In cancers of breast, rectum , tongue, etc, the tumors can be usually seen, or easily palpated, and an efficient biopsy can be obtained.
  • Whereas, the deep seated tumors can grow very large and yet remain without any symptoms. Here, techniques like UltraSonography (USG), Commuted Tomography (CT scan) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) have to be used to locate the tumor for biopsy.
  • In some patients, an exploratory surgery is required to obtain a definitive biopsy.
  • Nowadays, the procedure of Biopsy is minimally invasive, and is performed at an 'out-patient' basis where the patient does not have to be admitted in the hospital.
What are the types of Biopsy?
Three methods of Biopsy include




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