What is a biopsy?

A biopsy involves taking a small piece of tissue or some cells from your body. These are then examined in a laboratory. This helps your doctor diagnose or treat your condition.

Many different biopsy procedures exist depending on the part of your body being investigated (looked at). Some of these are:

• a punch biopsy of your skin
• a transbronchial biopsy
• a lung biopsy
• a liver biopsy
• a sentinel node biopsy
• an excision biopsy of a breast lump
• an endometrial biopsy

When is a biopsy needed?

Biopsies have many uses. They are sometimes used to check for problems like liver or kidney problems. Biopsies are also used to check if a lump is cancerous.

Examining your tissue sample under a microscope can help to diagnose a specific condition.

Biopsies can also be used to check the severity of your disease. This can help your doctor choose the best treatment for you.

How do I prepare for a biopsy?

It's important to ask your doctor if you need to prepare for your biopsy in any way. Depending on the type of biopsy you are having you may be asked to:

• fast — not eat or drink for a period of time
• have a blood test
• stop taking certain medicines — this may include tablets, puffers or creams

What happens during a biopsy?

Exactly what happens during your biopsy depends on the type of biopsy you're having.

A biopsy may involve cutting your skin so that the doctor can remove a small piece of tissue. In many cases, a needle can be used to remove the tissue. This can usually be done under local anaesthetic.

Sometimes imaging is used to guide the needle. This may be a:

• CT scan
• x-ray
• ultrasound

After the biopsy, you may need to have stitches or have a dressing put on.

Your tissue sample will be examined under a microscope. This will help find the cause of the problem and may mean that a definite diagnosis can be made.

Recovering from a biopsy

Some types of biopsy may involve staying in hospital for a few hours. If you've had a general anaesthetic, you may need to stay in overnight.

Your healthcare team will talk with you about any treatment or follow-up you need.

Your biopsy results will usually be ready within a few days. Check with your doctor how you will get them.

Possible complications from a biopsy

It's rare to have any serious side effects after a biopsy. The spot where the biopsy was taken may be a bit bruised or sore for a few days. You may be left with a small scar. In rare cases you might have bleeding or infection where the biopsy was taken.

You should always talk to your doctor if you experience any symptoms after a biopsy that you're worried about.

Are there any alternatives to a biopsy?

Whilst other tests such as blood tests, ultrasound or x-ray can be useful in identifying the cause of your problem, a biopsy is often needed to confirm the precise cause. A biopsy will also help your doctor suggest the best treatment for you.

Resources and support

If you want to know more about biopsies, you can call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.