Biopsies - Types, Side Effects, and Preparation

Types of Biopsy and Their Side Effects

body for examination by a microscope. This is used to determine the presence of diseases or conditions such as cancers, infections, and inflammatory diseases. There are many types of biopsies based on the site and nature of tissue under study. Therefore, knowing the kinds of biopsies and their after-effects helps in preparing patients.

Types of Biopsies

1. Needle Biopsy

• Fine Needle Aspiration: A thin, hollow needle is used to withdraw small tissue samples or fluid. This is especially done in Thyroid, Breast, and Lymph Node Biopsies.

• Core Needle Biopsy: A bigger needle that withdraws a core of tissue, giving more information than is spatially possible with FNA. Common for breast, liver, and prostate biopsies.

2. Excisional Biopsy

• It is a surgical removal of an entire lump or suspicious area of tissue. Skin lesions, breast lumps, and lymph nodes are usually treated under this.

3. Incisional Biopsy

• It requires surgically removing part of a lump or suspicious area of tissue. It is used in those situations when the area to be removed is large and cannot be removed blindly.

4. Endoscopic Biopsy

• This is done using an endoscope—a thin, flexible tube with light & a camera at the end—to gain access to the sampling of tissue from internal organs like the stomach, lungs, or colon.

5. Punch biopsy

•  A small cylindrical section of skin is removed with a circular blade. This test is done for skin lesions and rashes.

6. Bone Marrow Biopsy

• It is the procedure of removing a small amount of bone marrow, usually from the hip bone, usually for the diagnosis of blood disorders and some cancers.

Side Effects of Biopsies

While biopsies are essentially safe, they can cause some side effects. All risks vary depending on the type of biopsy and the location of the tissue being sampled.

1. Pain and Discomfort

General: Most biopsies are at least slightly painful or uncomfortable at the site itself. This is usually mild & can be treated with over-the-counter pain medications.

Severe: Some patients may have higher levels of pain, which would require stronger pain medication. Not common.

2. Bleeding

 Minor Bleeding: Common at the biopsy site; stop on its own.

Significant Bleeding: Infrequent, though more likely to occur with blood-rich organs, like the liver, or if blood-thinning drugs are being taken.

3. Infection

Minor Infections: These may develop at the site of biopsy and could be resolved with antibiotics.

Severe Infections: Very rare and may require more serious treatment or even hospitalization in severe cases.

4. Bruising and Swelling

Common at biopsy site, usually self-limiting and resolves in a few days to a week.

5. Damage to Surrounding Structures

Uncommon but feasible, more so in biopsies of internal structures. A lung biopsy can cause a collapsed lung (pneumothorax), while a liver biopsy can lead to injury of the gallbladder or bile duct.

6. Allergic Reactions

This is possible if contrast dye or local anaesthetic is used during the procedure, especially in case of reaction to the recipient. The recipient can experience anything from itching to rash to more difficult reactions, such as shortness of breath.

Summary

Biopsies form a basic diagnostic tool of early diagnosis and treatment for most medical conditions. Knowing the various types of biopsies, and the after-effects, comes in handy when preparing for a biopsy procedure and in tackling post-biopsy complications. It is always important to solicit an advice and information from your health provider about your specific biopsy procedure.