What is a biopsy?

What is a biopsy?

A biopsy is when a small piece of tissue is taken so it can be examined under a microscope. Biopsies can be taken from almost anywhere in the body.

Why do I need a biopsy?

If your doctor or nurse has noticed something abnormal (for example a lump), during a physical examination or on a scan, they will want to investigate it further. A lump can have lots of different causes, including an infection, a non-cancerous growth or cancer.

The doctor or nurse may have an idea about what could be causing the lump, but before they make any further decisions about your care, they will want to know exactly what it is. This ensures you have the correct treatment.

Biopsies are also done on organs to determine why they are not functioning properly – e.g. kidney, liver or bone marrow biopsy.

How is a biopsy done?

To find out what the lump is, you may need a biopsy taken from the area the doctor or nurse is concerned about. This can be taken in many different ways depending on the location; for example, by taking a small cut out of a skin lesion, using a needle to take a small piece of tissue from a breast lump, or cutting out a small piece of tissue during a colonoscopy.

Or you will be brought in as a day case for an organ to be biopsied. These will all be done with an anaesthetic or pain relief as needed.

Who does a biopsy and where?

It may be done by a surgeon during an operation in an operating theatre (or a clinic, like a breast lump biopsy). They are also often done by a radiologist (x-ray doctor) in a radiology (x-ray) department. Many of those are guided by an ultrasound, which is done at the same time.

What are the complications of a biopsy?

Most go ahead without any problems or complications. However, there are occasional complications, including:

1. Not taking enough tissue (we are very careful when we do them). It will then have to be repeated
2. There are technical issues = in the processing of the biopsy. Again, it needs to be repeated
3. The wrong organ or tissue is biopsied. Again, it needs to be repeated
4. Bleeding (from the organ or tissue biopsied). This usually stops on its own. Sometimes an x-ray treatment is needed to stop it. Rarely it can lead to a surgeon having to remove the organ (or part of it) – and very rarely, death.

What happens next?

Biopsy results take at least 2 weeks. Very specialist tests from the biopsy can take longer. Results will be discussed at your next clinic appointment.

Last Reviewed on 2 April 2024