What is a Biopsy and why do I need one?
A biopsy is when a clinician takes a small piece of tissue in order to figure out what is going on inside you. The tissue is examined very closely under a microscope to make a diagnosis. The diagnosis helps your doctor decide the type of treatment you need. Sometimes a biopsy shows that you do not need any treatment at all.
Biopsies are performed for two reasons:
To diagnose an abnormal spot. Not all abnormal spots are dangerous, but some can be serious like cancer or an infection.
To diagnose why part of your body is not working properly.
How is a Biopsy done?
The clinician finds the right spot using medical imaging like ultrasound or a CT scan. The clinician uses a skinny needle to take samples of the spot through a pinhole in the skin. It is normal to feel pressure. The needle makes a clicking sound as it collects samples. After the biopsy, the clinician will cover the pinhole in your skin with a bandage. It will heal in a few days.
Biopsy Procedure
1. The clinician finds the right spot using medical imaging and numbs the skin.
2. They take samples using a skinny needle that makes a clicking sound. They give the samples to the pathologist.
3. The clinician then covers the spot with a bandage. No stitches are needed.
What are the risks?
Biopsy is generally a safe procedure when done by a specialist.
Potential complications:
1 in 100 people develop an infection or have significant bleeding at the biopsy site (a little bleeding or bruising is normal). If the biopsy is in or near the kidneys, there may be blood in the urine.
If the biopsy is in or near the lungs, 1 in 10-20 people will cough up blood for a short time. Part of the lung may collapse in 1 in 4-5 people. This usually resolves without treatment. If not, a little tube can be placed to help the lung inflate while it heals.
If the biopsy is in the liver, you may feel discomfort in the right upper belly or right shoulder.
What are the alternatives?
Alternative 1 Not doing a biopsy. You may avoid a procedure but your clinicians may have trouble making a diagnosis. This could prevent you from getting the right treatment, if you need it.
Alternative 2 Watching and waiting. You and your clinician may choose to follow you with imaging exams or labs to see if there are any changes. The downside is that you may delay treatment if it is something serious.
Alternative 3 Surgery to cut out the spot. This has more risks and a longer recovery. The surgeon may want a diagnosis before they operate.