A biopsy is a diagnostic sample of tissue from the body for microscopic examination.

This tissue can be from any area of the body. There are many types of biopsies including excisional, incisional, endoscopic, colposcopic, fine needle aspiration, punch and bone marrow. The type of biopsy used will depend on the location of the tissue to be analyzed.

BeforeBiospy:

Preparingfor sedationor generalanesthesia In certain cases, you may receive intravenous (IV) sedatives or general anesthetics before your needle biopsy. If this is the case, your doctor may ask that you fast the day before your procedure. Tell your doctor about any medications you're taking, as you may need to stop taking certain medications before undergoing anesthesia.

You won't be able to return to work immediately if your needle biopsy is done under IV sedation or general anesthesia. Depending on your duties, you may be able to return to work in 24 hours. Talk to your doctor about when it's safe to return to work.

Make arrangements or ask friends or family to:

Drive you home Stay with you for 24 hours Help with household chores for a day or two

During Biospy:

Ask your doctor if you should stop taking any of your medications prior to the biopsy. Medications such as aspirin, NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications) and Coumadin are medications that can cause excessive bleeding. Prepare to feel a sharp pinch when the needle is inserted during a fine needle aspiration biopsy. A local anesthetic will take the edge off the pain at the point of entry. A needle about the size of those used for a routine injection is inserted into the tumor. Cells from within the tumor are aspirated into the syringe. Ultrasound or CT scan is often used to guide the radiologist during the procedure.

Expect an excisional biopsy to be performed where it is important to take out the entire organ or lump. This is the case in organs such as the spleen and enlarged lymph nodes. Anticipate an incisional biopsy to be the method of choice for tumors of soft tissue, such as the muscle or fat. This procedure removes only a portion of the tumor or lump. Prepare for an endoscopic biopsy if the tumor is available through the gastrointestinal tract, bladder, abdominal cavity, joint cavity, mid-portion of the chest or trachea. The endoscopist will insert a fiberoptic endoscope and pinch off samples of the tissue with forceps that are inside the endoscope. Expect a colposcopic biopsy if you have an abnormal Pap smear. The gynecologist uses this close-focusing telescope to view the abnormal areas and remove a tissue sample for examination by a pathologist. Find that dermatologists generally use a punch biopsy to excise a sample of skin tissue. A suture is usually required to close the hole.

Prepare for a bone marrow biopsy to be used in cases of some abnormal blood counts. A local anesthetic is used to deaden the skin over the pelvic bone. A needle is then inserted deeper to reach the surface membrane over the bone with anesthetic. A large needle is then inserted into the marrow space of the bone to aspirate the marrow cells. A larger needle is then used to excise core from the bone.

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