What It Is
A biopsy is a test that's performed to examine tissue or
cells from a part of the body. It can be done by cutting or
scraping a small piece of the tissue or by withdrawing a sample of
tissue with a needle and syringe.
Sometimes, needle biopsies are done in a radiology department so
the tissue can be seen with an ultrasound or CAT scan (also called
a CT scan or computed axial tomography scan) to show exactly
where to insert the needle.
Other biopsies may be done by inserting a tiny telescope into
the body, such as an endoscope into the esophagus and stomach, or a
laparoscope into the belly. Other times, surgery might be required
to reach an organ that needs to be biopsied (called an open
biopsy).
Why It's Done
Doctors order biopsies when they're concerned about a
problem in a particular organ. A biopsy is performed to look for a
disease or condition such as an infection, inflammation, or
cancer.
Some commonly biopsied organs include bone marrow, liver, kidney
lymph nodes, skin, esophagus, stomach and other parts of the
digestive tract, and muscle tissue.
Preparation
After the procedure is explained to you, you'll have time to
get all of your questions answered. You'll then be asked to
sign an informed consent form - this states that you understand the
procedure and its risks and alternatives and give your permission
for it to be performed.
The person doing the biopsy will know your child's medical
history, but might ask additional questions, such as what medicines
your child is taking or whether your child has any allergies. Be
sure to report any bleeding tendencies in your child, and whether
your daughter might be pregnant.
Some biopsies require only local anesthesia. Others require
sedation or general anesthesia. If that's the case, your child
will need to stop eating and drinking at a certain point before the
procedure to make sure his or her stomach is empty. Sedation and
anesthesia medications are given through an IV line (intravenous
tube) to help your child stay asleep during the entire test.
Depending on the procedure, you might be able to stay in the
room with your child during the procedure for reassurance and
support or you might need to step outside to a waiting area.
Procedure
The time required for a biopsy varies according to the specific
type of biopsy. For example, a simple skin biopsy usually takes
just a few minutes, while a bone marrow biopsy can take half an
hour. Biopsies requiring surgery can take much longer.
The technique of the procedure will vary according to the type
of biopsy. For example, in a skin biopsy, the skin is cleaned and
then numbed with a local anesthetic. Then a small piece of tissue
is cut away and stitches will be placed to close the wound.
In a needle biopsy (such as a bone marrow or liver biopsy), the
skin is also cleaned and numbed, and a needle is inserted through
the skin to obtain the tissue. Additional numbing medication may be
necessary once the needle has gone through the skin into the soft
tissues.
In an endoscopic biopsy, a small pinching instrument at the end
of the endoscope is used to snip off a small tissue sample. In a
biopsy performed during open surgery, your child will be receiving
general anesthesia. While asleep, an incision is made in the skin
and soft tissues, and a sample of tissue is cut directly from an
exposed organ.
Getting the Results
A pathologist (a doctor with expertise in interpreting biopsy
samples) will look at the tissue under a microscope and then give
the information to your doctor, who will go over the results with
you.
In an emergency, the results of a biopsy can usually be
available quickly. Otherwise, they're usually ready in several
days. In most cases, results can't be given directly to the
patient or family at the time of the test.
If an infection is suspected, a culture is sent to a lab and
results are usually available in 48 hours. A doctor may start
antibiotic treatment while waiting for the results.
Risks
A biopsy is considered a safe procedure with minimal risks. In
most cases, there are no complications. In some instances, there
may be some discomfort or pain at the biopsy site for a day or two.
Rarely, infection or bleeding can occur.
In very rare cases, anesthesia can cause complications (such as
irregular heart rhythms, breathing problems, and allergic reactions
to medications). The risks depend on the kind of procedure, the
condition of the patient, and the type of anesthesia used.
Helping Your Child
You can help prepare your child for a biopsy by explaining that
while the test might be uncomfortable, it won't take long. And
if sedation or anesthesia is involved, explain that a medicine will
be given to induce deep sleep so he or she won't feel anything
during the procedure.
Explain the biopsy in simple language, and make sure your child
understands where on the body it will be performed. After the
procedure, make sure your child rests and follows any other
instructions the doctor gives you.
If You Have Questions
If you have questions about the biopsy, speak with your
doctor.
Reviewed by:
Kate M. Cronan, MD
Date reviewed: February 2009
Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice,
diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.
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