Types of Biopsy available for Cancer Treatment

Why is a Biopsy Performed?

Biopsies are performed to help diagnose the presence of cancer. Generally a biopsy is performed when a patient has symptoms of a lump or abnormal swelling on some part of their body. During the procedure a sample of the tissue is removed from the abnormal growth that is present on the patient’s body. As a part of the information gathering process that every cancer patient must undertake, understanding the different types of biopsies, is as important as the rest of the information on cancer.

State-of-the-art equipment like X-ray machines, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and CAT Scans, help determine the presence and location of an abnormal growth which could be benign or malignant. To determine the exact type and nature of the abnormal growth, a biopsy is performed, where the tissue sample that is removed, is studied under a microscope.

This procedure basically is performed with the use of a long biopsy needle inserted into the abnormal growth, to remove a sample. It is normally a minimally invasive procedure, but in cases where necessary, the traditional open type of biopsy is also performed. There are several types of biopsies and each has its advantages and disadvantages. Depending on many factors, such as the general health of the patient, the location of the abnormal growth (tumor, lump, lesion), the size of the growth, the suspicious nature of the tumor, and the number of tumors present, the doctor in consultation with you, will opt for the biopsy procedure, best suited for you. 

Types of Biopsies:

Given below are the broad types of biopsies performed to diagnose cancer.

• Core Biopsy or core needle biopsy
• Needle Biopsy
• Excision or Incisional Biopsy
• Endoscopic Biopsy
• Laparoscopic Biopsy
• Skin Biopsy
• Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy

Needle Biopsy is of two types:

• Fine needle or fine needle aspiration biopsy
• Core Biopsy or core needle biopsy

Ø  In the Fine Needle Biopsy procedure, a very thin needle together with a syringe is used to draw out the tissue sample, comprising of a small amount of fluid and tissue, from the abnormal growth. The needle is guided into the area where the tumor is located with the help of a fluoroscopy (x-ray imaging system), in cases where the tumor is deep seated within the body. This is a minimally invasive procedure

Ø  In the core needle biopsy, a much larger needle than the fine needle is used to draw out tissue measuring about half an inch long and 1/16^th inch in width from the tumor. Before the procedure, local anesthesia is administrated. Similar to a fine needle biopsy, imaging systems are used during the procedure

Ø  In the Endoscopic procedure, a flexible, thin tube with a light and camera, is inserted into the body to extract tissue samples. Different types of endoscopic apparatus are used for tumors present in different parts of the body

Ø  Laparoscopy is a minimally invasive surgery performed in the abdomen area. A laparoscope is similar to an endoscope but the scope used is slightly different. This is also known as keyhole form of surgery, as the incision made is very small. The laparoscope is then passed through the opening to study the internal parts of the body. A laparoscope used on the chest is known as thoracoscopy and mediastinoscopy

Ø  Depending on the type of skin tumor, doctors use, different methods to do a skin biopsy. In the Shave Biopsy, skin is scraped off the surface or outer layer of the skin and this type of biopsy is performed when the patient is suspected to have either basal cell or squamous cell tumors. In melanomas of the skin, a Punch biopsy is performed

Ø  A surgeon uses the Sentinel Lymph Node biopsy to map the exact lymph node that needs to be removed