What can a biopsy tell the team?
A pathologist examines the sample, often using a microscope and additional laboratory tests. The findings may identify the cancer type, features relevant to grade, or markers that help guide treatment.
A scan shows structures inside the body. A tissue sample answers a different question about the cells themselves. The team may need both.
Sometimes a diagnosis can be made without a biopsy, or taking a sample would not be appropriate. Whether one is needed depends on the suspected disease and the clinical situation.
How is the sample taken?
Some samples are taken through the skin with a needle. Others are taken during an endoscopy, when a flexible instrument is used to look inside part of the body. An operation may remove a small piece of tissue or an entire abnormal area.
Scans can help guide the needle to the intended site. Depending on the procedure, local anaesthetic, sedation or general anaesthetic may be used. The risks and preparation differ between these approaches.
Preparing safely
Follow the instructions for your particular biopsy. Tell the team about your medicines, especially medicines affecting blood clotting, and any allergies or previous problems with anaesthetic.
Do not stop prescribed medicines or decide when to fast on the basis of general information online. Ask the team if the instructions are unclear.
Before leaving, check the wound-care advice, activity restrictions, warning symptoms and contact number.
What if the result is unclear?
A small sample may not contain enough suitable tissue, or may not represent the area the team needs to assess. Further tests, another sample or specialist review may be required. An inconclusive result is different from a definite result showing no cancer.
The findings are reported in a pathology report. Some tests take longer than others; ask when you should expect to hear and who will explain the result.
After the procedure
Contact the healthcare team promptly for worsening pain, fever, swelling or concerning bleeding or discharge. Follow any procedure-specific emergency instructions. If you cannot reach the team and need urgent advice, call 111 in England, Scotland or Wales. In Northern Ireland, contact your GP or the GP out of hours service.
Significant bleeding, severe breathing difficulty or collapse needs emergency help, not a wait for a biopsy result.
