What are the types of biopsy?
There are 2 types of biopsy: internal and external.
An external biopsy is a collection of material for the study (biopsy) of their surface tissues: skin and mucous membranes. Such a procedure does not require special facilities for visualization or computer control.
An internal biopsy is one in which doctors take a biopsy from the internal organs. For this, doctors use special equipment: MRI, ultrasound, etc.
According to the American Cancer Society , there are several varieties of biopsies.
How is a biopsy performed?
All decisions about the type of study, imaging methods, methods of anesthesia are made by the attending physician. The radiologist helps the doctor visually monitor the progress of the procedure.
The most common type of biopsy is puncture. Therefore, it is important to know how such a procedure is carried out. According to the resource RadiologyInfo , before taking a biopsy, the doctor treats the puncture area with an anesthetic. Small children are prescribed general anesthesia (narcosis). This avoids pain and makes the procedure comfortable for the child. For adult patients, doctors use local anesthesia. Anesthesia is indicated in cases where the procedure requires the collection of a large area of tissue.
Doctors use ultrasound (ultrasound) or computed tomography (CT) to pinpoint the exact location of the procedure. Then they mark with a marker the point where the needle will be inserted. In this place, specialists disinfect and remove hair from the skin. Next, make a small puncture. Doctors insert a needle, under the visual control of special installations, advance it to the focus and take a tissue sample. More detailed analysis may require multiple samples. A pressure bandage is applied to the incision site. To avoid possible complications, the medical staff monitors the patient for the next 2-3 hours. The procedure lasts 20-60 minutes.
At the puncture site for 2-3 days, the patient may feel soreness. With severe pain syndrome, the doctor prescribes analgesics. The bandage can be removed the day after the biopsy. Then you can take water procedures.
How long does it take to analyze the obtained tissues?
Doctors place the resulting tissues in a special solution. Then the material is dehydrated, impregnated with paraffin or other similar preparation. The resulting block is divided into thin (less than 0.1 mm) sections, which are stained and placed between two glass slides. The final result is called a histological specimen. His analysis is carried out by a pathologist. He evaluates the features of cells under a microscope and, based on this, draws a conclusion about the nature of the tumor.