Biopsy
A
biopsy describes a medical procedure that involves removing cells or tissues for closer examination. Microscopic examination by a pathologist, for example, is typical. Chemical analysis is another means for examining the biopsied specimen.
Biopsies typically are conducted to help determine the nature of a
disease when there is uncertainty in terms of the extent and nature of the illness. For instance, tumors identified from radiographic scans are frequently biopsied to determine whether they are
benign or
malignant.
Although usually rare, there are complications that can occur during and/or following a biopsy procedure. These include: excessive bleeding, infection at the biopsied site, damage to nearby organs, and unusual numbness of the skin from anesthesia used. After lung biopsies, the lung can collapse, a condition called pneumothorax. This usually resolves by itself, but rarely can require a chest tube. However, it is normal to experience at least some pain around the biopsy site and can be controlled by prescribed pain-relieving medication. Biopsy specimens once obtained are affixed in a preservative, set in wax, and thinly sliced by the examining pathologist. Occasionally, the specimen is examined before preserving the tissue (frozen biopsy) or the specimen is smeared on a slide before preserving. Different dyes are applied to the sliced specimen to highlight any abnormalities. According to the results, a diagnosis and treatment plan can be decided upon.