Biopsy



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.