Description
Why It’s Done:
This test is essential for:
• Diagnosing cancer or ruling it out.
• Determining the type and grade of tumors (benign or malignant).
• Evaluating inflammatory or autoimmune conditions (e.g., Crohn’s disease, vasculitis).
• Assessing the extent of disease spread (staging).
• Guiding treatment decisions (surgery, chemotherapy, radiation).
• Monitoring treatment response or recurrence of a disease.
• Investigating unexplained symptoms like lumps, ulcers, organ dysfunction, or chronic inflammation.
Preparation:
Preparation depends on the site and method of biopsy, but generally includes:
• Fasting may be required if the biopsy involves anesthesia.
• Inform your doctor about:
o Any medications, especially blood thinners (e.g., aspirin, warfarin).
o Allergies (especially to anesthetics or antibiotics).
o Medical conditions, such as bleeding disorders or chronic illnesses.
• You may be advised to stop certain medications before the procedure.
• Follow pre-procedure instructions carefully if sedation or surgery is involved.
After the biopsy, the tissue is sent to a histopathology lab, and results usually take a few days to a week depending on the complexity of the analysis
