Why is this procedure done?
A biopsy looks at cells that are not normal. This will see if the cells are from an infection or other reasons that might cause swelling. The doctor may be looking for cancer or other tumors. The doctor may be looking for other health problems. Your doctor will decide what type of biopsy you need. This will depend on the size and location of the growth or tumor. ‚
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What will the results be?
The biopsy sample will be sent to a lab where a special doctor will look at the cells under a microscope. Your doctor may ask for other tests to double check the biopsy reading. ‚
What happens before the procedure?
- Your doctor will take your history and do an exam. Talk to the doctor about:
- All the drugs you are taking. Be sure to include all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and herbal supplements. Tell the doctor about any drug allergy. Bring a list of drugs you take with you.
- Any bleeding problems. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking any drugs that may cause bleeding. Some of these are Coumadin, ibuprofen, Aleve (naproxen), or aspirin. Certain vitamins and herbs, such as garlic and fish oil, may also add to the risk for bleeding. You may need to stop these drugs as well. Talk to your doctor about them.
- If you need to stop eating or drinking before your procedure
- You will not be allowed to drive right away after the procedure. Ask a family member or a friend to drive you home.
What happens during the procedure?
- Biopsies done in an outpatient clinic:
- These are often from outer parts of the body like the skin.
- You may be given a drug to help you relax or to lessen the pain.
- The doctor may use small, sharp tools to get tissue samples.
- The tissue samples will be sent to the lab for testing.
- Biopsies done in an operating room:
- These are most often from the inside parts of the body like the liver, kidney, or lungs.
- Once you are in the operating room, the staff will put an I.V. in your arm to give you fluids and drugs. You will be given a drug to make you sleepy. It will also help you stay pain free during the procedure.
- Your doctor may use special tools to get tissue samples from the inside of your body.
- The tissue samples will be sent to the lab for testing.
What happens after the procedure?
- The staff may apply pressure to stop any bleeding. They will also cover the skin with a clean bandage.
- Stitches may be needed to close some cut sites.
- Special care may be needed if the tissue samples were taken from inside your body.
- You may be given drugs to help with pain and to treat infection.
- Ask your doctor when the results of the test will be available.
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Talk to your doctor about how to care for your cut site. Ask your doctor about:
- When you should change your bandages
- When you may take a bath or shower
- If you need to be careful with lifting things over 10 pounds
- When you may go back to your normal activities
- Take your drugs as ordered by your doctor.
What follow-up care is needed?
- Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits.
- If you have stitches or staples, you will need to have them taken out. Your doctor will often want to do this in 1 to 2 weeks.
- It often takes at least 3 to 7 days before the biopsy results are ready. The results will help your doctor know what kind of problem you have. Together you can make a plan for more care.
What problems could happen?
- Pain, bleeding, or infection of the biopsy site
- Scarring
Where can I learn more?
Better Health Channel ‚
http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Biopsy?open ‚
KidsHealth ‚
http://kidshealth.org/parent/system/medical/biopsy.html ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚