Biopsy

A biopsy represents a crucial medical procedure wherein tissue samples are extracted from a living organism to undergo histological examination and analysis. This procedure facilitates accurate diagnoses by enabling clinicians to meticulously evaluate the cellular makeup of a lesion or growth. Attaining a proper specimen from the lesion remains paramount to guarantee a conclusive evaluation.

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Liver Biopsy specimen

Types of Biopsies

Various biopsy techniques exist, and their application often hinges upon the nature and location of the lesion in question. Here, we detail the three primary types of biopsies:

Punch Biopsy

In a punch biopsy, a circular tool called a punch is used to procure a small portion of the lesion as a specimen. Especially beneficial for accessing mucosal lesions situated in challenging-to-reach areas, this method might inadvertently lead to some tissue distortion or crushing. However, its ability to access otherwise inaccessible regions makes it a valuable tool in the clinician's arsenal.

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  Illustration of Punch Biopsy procedure

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  Skin punch biopsy of Buruli ulcer plaque lesion with H&E and Ziehl-Neelsen stain

Incisional Biopsy

The incisional biopsy is particularly suited for extensive, diffuse lesions. Here, a scalpel is utilized to incise and extract a "representative" section of the lesion, ensuring that a portion of the surrounding normal tissue is included. The incised tissue typically assumes an elliptical or wedge shape, with the wedge's "V" extending into the deeper tissues, ensuring a comprehensive analysis. The depth of the incision is pivotal as it ensures that a representative cross-section of the lesion is obtained for assessment.

Excisional Biopsy

The excisional biopsy comes into play when the lesion is notably diminutive. In such instances, the entire lesion is excised during the procedure and subsequently dispatched for histopathological examination. As both a diagnostic and ablative measure, this approach is most apt for lesions measuring less than 1 cm in size.

Importance

The overarching goal of biopsies remains the same - to obtain clear insights into the cellular structure and potential abnormalities within a lesion or growth. This knowledge is indispensable, aiding clinicians in making informed decisions regarding future medical interventions or treatments.

See Also

• Histology
• Pathology
• Lesion
• Histopathological

References

Biopsy Resources
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