Everything You Wanted to Know About Biopsies
Biopsies are a key diagnostic tool in healthcare. While this procedure may be one that many people have heard of, there are still many questions about the procedure. Our master guide to biopsies aims to demystify the procedure, explain what biopsies are used for, some common concerns about getting one, and ultimately, how to book a biopsy. Let’s start by answering a simple question:
What is a biopsy?
A biopsy is a procedure that removes cells, tissues or fluid from a patient in order to be examined by a medical professional with the goal of finding out what is going on in the body. The most common types of biopsies include:
Bone marrow biopsy: used to diagnose a variety of blood problems, bone marrow biopsies draw a sample of bone marrow from your hip bone via a long needle.
Skin biopsy: this process removes cells from the skin’s surface to identify skin conditions like melanoma.
Needle biopsy: as the name suggests, a needle biopsy uses a special needle to extract material from an area of concern, usually ones that your healthcare provider can feel through the skin.
Endoscopic biopsy: this process is used to extract samples from the inside of the patient’s body using an endoscope (a thin, pliable tube with a camera). While there are many common endoscopic biopsies, the one that most comes to mind is a colonoscopy.
Surgical biopsy: this process is usually used when all other types of biopsy cannot access the area of concern. A surgical biopsy removes an area of concern and may require some local anesthesia.
What are biopsies used for?
Biopsies are mainly used to confirm the presence or identify the spread of certain medical conditions. A medical professional can use the various biopsy procedures to identify conditions such as cancer, inflammatory disorders, infections, ulcers, and endometriosis.
Should I be concerned about getting a biopsy?
Getting a biopsy may feel overwhelming and scary, but they play an important role in diagnosing many medical problems. Below we address the most common concerns we hear regarding biopsies:
Are biopsies painful?
The thought of cutting or sticking a needle into a body can make one think that a biopsy could be painful, however most are painless. While it depends on the type of biopsy, most will result in some mild discomfort or require mild pain relief.
Are biopsies only for cancer?
Most people are familiar with biopsies being used to identify potential cancerous cells, but biopsies can help identify a wide variety of diseases.
Are biopsies accurate?
While biopsies are very accurate in helping to identify potential abnormal health situations, there can be some false negatives. The rate of false negatives can vary based on the type of biopsy, so always ask your doctor for more information.
How can I book a biopsy?
A biopsy is usually recommended when a healthcare provider finds a medical concern following a consultation. Most biopsies are performed by specialists, which require a referral from your primary care provider;however, some provinces offer walk-in services for certain types of minor biopsies. Typical wait times for obtaining a biopsy vary depending on the type of biopsy that is warranted as well as local wait times. If you are experiencing a long wait for an urgent biopsy you should know that there are alternatives. Health Bridge cross border biopsy services can provide timely access for biopsies in just a short drive across the border.
If you have any questions or concerns about biopsies, talk to your doctor. They can explain the specifics of your situation and determine if a biopsy is the right course of action for you. Remember, early detection is key for many conditions, and a biopsy can be a valuable tool in helping your doctor provide the best possible care.
