Walker Richman*
Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Australia
Received: 02-Mar-2025, Manuscript No. rct-25-169118; Editor assigned: 4-Mar-2025, Pre-QC No. rct-25-169118 (PQ); Reviewed: 15-Mar-2025, QC No rct-25-169118; Revised: 20-Mar-2025, Manuscript No. rct-25-169118 (R); Published: 30-Mar-2025, DOI: 10.4172/ rct.9.001
Citation: Walker Richman, Biopsy: A Critical Procedure in Disease Diagnosis. Rep Cancer Treat. 2025.9.001.
Copyright: © 2025 Walker Richman, this is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.
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A biopsy is a medical procedure that involves the removal of a small sample of tissue or cells from the body for microscopic examination. It is one of the most definitive diagnostic tools in medicine, particularly essential in oncology to confirm or rule out cancer [1]. Beyond cancer diagnosis, biopsies are used to investigate a wide range of diseases, including infections, inflammatory conditions, and autoimmune disorders [2].
The primary goal of a biopsy is to provide accurate information about the cellular makeup of suspicious lesions or abnormalities, guiding clinicians in diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment planning [3]. With advances in medical imaging and minimally invasive techniques, biopsies have become safer and more precise, reducing patient discomfort and improving diagnostic yield [4].
Types of Biopsy
Needle Biopsy
Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA): Uses a thin needle to extract cells or fluid from a lump or mass [5].
Core Needle Biopsy: Uses a larger needle to remove a core of tissue, providing more structural information than FNA.
Commonly used in breast, thyroid, and lymph node evaluations.
Surgical Biopsy
Incisional Biopsy: Removes a portion of a lesion for analysis.
Excisional Biopsy: Entire lesion or mass is removed, often therapeutic as well as diagnostic.
Performed when needle biopsy results are inconclusive or not feasible.
Endoscopic Biopsy
Tissue samples are obtained using an endoscope inserted into hollow organs such as the gastrointestinal tract, respiratory tract, or urinary system.
Enables visualization and targeted sampling.
Image-Guided Biopsy
Utilizes imaging techniques such as ultrasound, CT, or MRI to accurately target lesions not palpable or visible externally.
Minimally invasive and widely used for internal organ biopsies.
Indications for Biopsy
Diagnosis of suspected malignancy [1].
Determining the type and grade of cancer [2].
Evaluating unexplained masses, swellings, or ulcers [3].
Diagnosing infections, granulomatous diseases, or autoimmune disorders [4].
Monitoring disease progression or treatment responses [5].
Procedure and Preparation
The biopsy site is typically numbed using local anesthesia.
The procedure is performed under sterile conditions to minimize infection risk.
Depending on biopsy type and location, sedation or general anesthesia may be required.
Patients are advised on pre-procedure preparation, such as fasting or medication adjustments.
Risks and Complications
Bleeding or hematoma at the biopsy site.
Infection risk, though rare with sterile technique.
Pain or discomfort, usually mild and temporary.
Sampling errors where the biopsy may miss the abnormal tissue, necessitating repeat procedures.
Rarely, spread of tumor cells along the biopsy tract (needle track seeding).
Role in Diagnosis and Management
Biopsy provides essential histopathological information, including:
Cell type and differentiation to classify benign versus malignant lesions.
Tumor grade and stage, impacting prognosis.
Molecular and genetic profiling for targeted therapies.
Infectious agents or inflammatory patterns guiding treatment.
The biopsy results help clinicians develop personalized treatment plans, avoid unnecessary interventions, and monitor disease progression.
Biopsy remains a cornerstone in modern medicine, providing definitive diagnosis and invaluable insights into numerous diseases, especially cancer [1]. Advances in imaging and minimally invasive techniques have made biopsies safer and more accurate, allowing for precise tissue sampling with minimal patient discomfort [2]. As diagnostic technologies evolve, biopsies continue to play a vital role in guiding effective, individualized patient care, ultimately improving clinical outcomes and quality of life [3].
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