Cancer Biopsy.
This, by far, forms the most important and conclusive test of all tests to detect cancer. It gives conclusive evidence of details of cancer. This is because the tissue that is removed from the suspected tumor or lesion is inspected directly under a microscope (by preparing the tissue on a slide) by a trained pathologist. He can then see if any malignant cells are present in the suspected tissue. Biopsy for cancer is taken up by the cancer surgeon when signs and symptoms of cancer are present and tests for cancer give enough evidence of cancer. Previous tests for cancer will include blood tests for cancer and radiological tests for cancer.
Types of Biopsy.
Different sites and types of cancers require different types of biopsy. A tumor situated superficially in the body or a tumor situated deeper in the body require different methods or procedures of biopsy to be followed.
Cancer Biopsy is done by the following ways:
1) Needle Biopsy.
The tumor is properly located with physical examination and with help of radiological findings. With the help of a fine needle which is inserted into the tumor, tissue of the growth is aspirated for histopathology examination under the microscope. This is called fine needle aspiration biopsy. Fine needle aspiration is indicated in tumors which can be safely reached by insertion of needle such as a skin lesion or a lump in breast.
Image showing needle biopsy of breast.
In case of a bone marrow biopsy a thicker needle is required to penetrate the bone, which is usually the hip bone. Bone marrow tissue is then aspirated with the help of a needle. This becomes indicated when blood tests for cancer show abnormal rise in white blood cell count.
Limitations of Needle Biopsy. However a word of caution, that fine needle aspiration biopsy does tend to give false negative results as the portion of the growth which has been aspirated may be devoid of cancer cells. Further repetition or repetitions of needle aspiration biopsy may have to be performed from other parts of the growth to come to a more or less confirmed diagnosis.
2) Excision Biopsy.
However, in certain growths, needle biopsy is not possible. A surgical biopsy or excision biopsy is then performed where by, if possible the whole tumor or its part is surgically removed for histopathological examination. Histopathological examination is performed by a trained pathologist who examines the biopsy material prepared on a slide, under a microscope and the gives the biopsy report. Biopsy findings will detect
- if cancer cells are present in the specimen,
- will also confirm the type of cancer,
- will give an idea of the stage of cancer,
- will also report presence of metastasis, if present and
- will also tell whether it is a fast or slow growing tumor.
Image showing incision and surgical biopsy.
3) Endoscopy Biopsy.
Endoscopy Biopsy is helpful in taking biopsy of suspected tumors in the G.I. tract. Details are explained in Radiological tests for cancer.
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