Types of Biopsies

1. Needle Biopsy:

   • Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA)

     : Uses a thin needle to withdraw a small sample of cells from a mass or lesion. It’s minimally invasive and often used for lumps or tumors.

   • Core Needle Biopsy

     : Uses a larger needle to remove a small core of tissue, providing a more comprehensive sample than FNA. This is used for deeper tissues or larger masses.

2. Incisional Biopsy:

   • Involves removing a small portion of a mass or abnormal tissue for examination. This method is often used when the lesion is too large to be removed completely or when a definitive diagnosis is needed.

3. Excisional Biopsy:

   • Involves removing the entire mass or abnormal area. This is often performed if the lesion is small and removal will not cause significant harm or if complete removal is necessary for diagnosis and treatment.

4. Endoscopic Biopsy:

   • Performed using an endoscope, a flexible tube with a camera, to view and sample tissues from internal organs or body cavities, such as the gastrointestinal tract.

Indications for a Biopsy

A biopsy may be recommended if:

• Unresolved Masses or Lumps

  : Any new or unusual growths on the skin or within the body.

• Chronic or Severe Inflammation

  : Persistent symptoms that do not respond to other treatments.

• Suspected Cancer

  : To confirm or rule out malignancy in tumors or abnormal tissues.

• Unexplained Symptoms

  : Symptoms such as unexplained weight loss, persistent vomiting, or abnormal behavior, where a definitive diagnosis is needed.