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Understanding Different Types of Biopsies
- anoushkapandit
- 15 hours ago
- 3 min read
Biopsies are safe, low-risk procedures that allow for assessing disease presence and progression. The word biopsy comes from the Greek words ‘bios’ meaning life and ‘opsis’ meaning sight. Combining them together, biopsy translates to having a view of a patient’s life.
What is a Biopsy?
In the field of medicine, doctors perform a procedure known as a biopsy to extract cell, tissue, or fluid samples. These samples are then examined in a laboratory under a microscope by a medical pathologist to diagnose the disease. A biopsy is necessary when the doctor finds abnormal results from a physical examination or imaging techniques like x-rays.
A biopsy is used to detect and diagnose a number of medical conditions apart from cancer like:
Inflammatory disorders (nephritis or hepatitis)
Infections like Tuberculosis (TB)
Peptic ulcer disease (open sores develop in stomach and duodenum)
Endometriosis (tissue similar to uterine lining grows outside the uterus)
Immune disorders
Types of Biopsies:
There are many types of biopsies based on the type of organs that are being examined and the severity of the medical condition. While there is a variety of biopsies, a few major ones will be covered below.
The first type is a needle biopsy, which involves inserting a specific needle through the skin to collect samples. This is often used in the cases when feeling enlarged lymph nodes or lumps on the surface. Types of needle biopsies include:
Fine-needle aspiration: elongated, thin needle is inserted. A syringe then draws out fluid/cells for examination.
Vacuum-assisted: a suction device is inserted to increase extraction of samples, reducing frequent insertion of needle into the body.
Core needle: larger needle with an incision tip draws out a column of tissue samples.
Image-guided: use imagining techniques (CT scans, MRI) to insert needle correctly in areas that can’t be felt through the skin.
The second type is a skin biopsy, which involves removing cells from the body’s surface. Often, skin biopsies are used in diagnosing skin conditions like melanoma.
Types of skin biopsies include:
Shave biopsy: scalpel or razor blade is used to remove cells from the surface of the skin.
Punch biopsy: a circular tool removes a small area of the skin’s deep layers.
Incisional biopsy: a scalpel is used to remove a small portion of the skin. Number of stitches depends on the amount of skin extracted.
Excisional biopsy: an entire suspicious lump or area of skin is removed. Stitches are then performed to close the biopsy site
The third type of biopsy is endoscopic biopsy, which involves a flexible, thin tube called an endoscope with a light to assist in examining structures in the body. The tube is inserted through the mouth, rectum, small incisions in skin, or urinary tract. Special tools are then passed through the tube to extract samples.
Types of endoscopy:
Cystoscopy: collects tissue from the bladder and urethra.
Bronchoscopy: collects tissues from the lung.
Colonoscopy: collects tissues from the colon.
Although it depends on the type of endoscopy, sedatives or anesthetics are usually administered before the procedure.
The fourth type of biopsy is a bone marrow biopsy, which involves drawing out a sample of bone marrow using a long needle. Bone marrow is the soft, spongy tissue found inside some of the larger bones where bone cells are made. It is often used to diagnose many blood conditions, either cancerous or noncancerous. Anesthesia is provided to minimize any discomfort during the procedure.
The final type of biopsy is a surgical biopsy, which involves making an incision on the skin to remove a sample of tissue. A type of surgical biopsy is a needle biopsy, which is less invasive. Anesthesia is once again provided to minimize any pain during the process.
Biopsy Analysis and Results:
Eventually, after a biopsy is performed, the samples are sent to the lab for analysis. The results come back within minutes or 1-2 days. While most biopsies produce accurate results, some have false-negative rates that vary depending on the condition. By knowing more about a biopsy, it can reduce the stress that comes with the procedure and answer any hesitations.
Works Cited:
“Biopsy,” Cleveland Clinic. 26 May 2023.
Brazier, Y. “Biopsy: What you need to know,” MedicalNewsToday. 18 May 2022.
Mayo Clinic Staff, “Biopsy: Types of biopsy procedures used to diagnose cancer,” Mayo
Clinic. 13 December 2023.
Assessed and Endorsed by the MedReport Medical Review Board
