Biopsy

Among the most common areas are:

Breast

A breast biopsy is a procedure by which a small sample of breast tissue is removed for analysis to determine whether or not cancer is present. Let us remember that breast cancer is the most frequent type of cancer, and is the main cause of mortality among women.

Thyroid

This type of biopsy is performed using specialized needles and is performed when tumors or lacerations are visible on the skin. In certain cases, it is often combined with diagnostic imaging procedures such as X-rays, thus providing a more specific knowledge of the affected area to be accessed.

Prostate

Prostate biopsy is used to collect small samples of prostate tissue to look for signs of cancer. This procedure may be referred when there are abnormalities in the rectal tract, or when an increase in normal PSA values is noted.

Skin

A skin biopsy can be used to diagnose skin diseases as well as the most common bacterial and fungal infections, including basaliomas, carcinomas, melanomas, psoriasis, eczema and other derived cancers.
Skin cancer is usually a rather stealthy disease, so you should see a doctor as soon as possible when you notice the sudden appearance of spots, warts or moles.

Cervix (cervix)

In this procedure, a sample of tissue from the cervix is removed for analysis to determine if there are abnormal, precancerous conditions or cervical cancer. This type of cancer is the second most common cancer among women.
Cervical biopsy is usually performed when abnormalities are found after a pelvic exam, abnormal Pap smear results, or a positive result for high-risk human papillomavirus.

The method of sample extraction to be evaluated will depend on the area of the body where the condition is located. Below, we will expand on some of the most common procedures:

Needle biopsies

These include most of the tests located at the level of the breast, lymph nodes or thyroid, and are divided into:

• Fine needle biopsy: This is performed by inserting a long, thin needle into the suspicious area. In this way, it is possible to extract fluid and cells for later analysis.
• Core needle biopsy: A larger needle with a special tip is used, which allows the specialist to make a cut to obtain a small tissue sample.
• Vacuum-assisted biopsy: The use of a suction device is implemented to increase the volume of the sample to be extracted. This considerably reduces the needle insertion several times.
• Image-guided biopsy: In this procedure two techniques are united to get to the exact spot, needle biopsy and diagnostic imaging; either computed tomography, radiography, magnetic resonance imaging or ultrasound. This technique is mostly used to identify anomalies in internal areas that are difficult to access, such as the liver, prostate or lung.

Scratch biopsy

For a scraping biopsy, the physician uses a small, sharp tool to scrape the skin. He or she can then take a skin sample of the lesion for evaluation.

Needle biopsy

It is the method devised to extract samples from the deepest layers of the skin. This is achieved through the use of a circular tool designed specifically for this function.

Incisional biopsy

In this case, the physician will make a scalpel incision to remove an adequate amount of skin for analysis. Depending on the size of the specimen, it is likely that a few stitches will be necessary to close the wound.

Excisional biopsy

It is applied to completely remove a tumor or nodule. It will usually require local anesthesia prior to the procedure and suturing to conclude.

Endoscopic biopsy

The endoscope is a thin, flexible instrument that allows access to and sampling of the internal structures of the human body. Depending on the location of the affected area, the endoscope can be inserted through the mouth, rectum or urinary tract; for this purpose, it is very likely that sedatives or anesthetics will be applied before the study.

Cystoscopy

This type of procedure makes it possible to examine the lining of the bladder and urethra by inserting a hollow tube called a cystoscope into the urethra.

Surgical biopsies

This is the last option for any physician, and is presented when it is impossible to obtain results from any of the biopsies mentioned above, or when these biopsies have not yielded 100% conclusive results.