Biopsy II

A biopsy is a procedure in which a sample of tissue is taken from the body for study. A diagnosis is made when cells are studied under a microscope. Biopsy samples, or biopsies, can be taken in several ways.

A punch biopsy is used to take a biopsy of the entire skin to take. Using a type of cookie cutter, a punch, a small hole is made in the skin. The punch removes a piece of skin with all skin layers: epidermis, dermis and fat. Sutures should be applied after a punch biopsy, but only a minimal amount of scar visible.

Another type of skin biopsy is the shave biopsy. In this procedure, a very thin layer of skin is shaved off with a scalpel for analysis. This is the least invasive type of biopsy and the wound rarely needs sutures.

An endoscopic biopsy is a procedure in which the doctor performs an examination inside the body without doing surgery. An endoscope is a tube with a light and a camera that is inserted into the body to inspect internal organs and tissues. Clamps and brushes can also be pushed through the tube to take a sample.

In a bone marrow biopsy, cells are removed from the bone marrow with a long needle. A thick, hollow needle is inserted into the bone under local anaesthetic. In adults, the biopsy is usually obtained from the back of the hip bone. When enough bone marrow has been extracted, the needle is removed.