Biopsy, is the process of taking a small piece of any body tissue and examining it. The removed tissue is then examined under a microscope. It can also be subjected to certain processes and staining to allow a number of microbiology and molecular biology examinations before the biopsy material is subjected to examination. Biopsies are usually performed in suspicion of a disease. As an example, if a patient has an unexplained swelling, mass condition, or if a tumour is suspected, the best diagnostic method is to take a sample from the mass, examine it, and make a diagnosis.
They can be made incisional or excisional. In incisional biopsies, only a certain number of samples are taken from the problematic area; in excisional biopsy, the entire suspicious lesion is removed during the biopsy.
Biopsies can be performed directly by surgeons, as well as by pathologists or doctors of the relevant department. Doctors can perform biopsies directly without the guidance of any imaging method, as well as with the help of ultrasonography, computed tomography, MRI or endoscopic instruments.
Often a needle is used for biopsies. Needle biopsies can be in the form of thin needle biopsies or thick needle biopsies. In thin needle biopsies, the biopsy material taken is less, while in thick needle biopsies, more material is obtained.
Biopsies can be performed under local anaesthesia, under general anaesthesia, or without anaesthesia. They can be done in outpatient conditions or in an operating room.
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