8 Types of Biopsy Test

We get very nervous when the doctor prescribes a Biopsy Test without knowing the reason for the test. We always associate a biopsy test with cancer, but it is necessarily not so. The doctor prescribes a biopsy test to be reassured that there is no abnormal growth in the patient’s body or even if there is any growth, it is not cancerous or infectious. A Biopsy Test involves extracting a tissue sample from the patient’s body and examining it closely. Nowadays a biopsy test has become very normal and the doctor prescribes a biopsy even for minor issues to leave no doubt in the patient's as well as his mind. Days are gone when you have to fear about this test, it is common and getting tested is indeed a good thing for you.

Biopsy Test

Why is a biopsy test done?

A biopsy test is mainly done to rule out any chances of cancer growing in the body. It is mainly done when there is a tumorous growth or cyst in the body. Sometimes a biopsy is done before the removal of the growth and sometimes a biopsy test is done after surgically removing the abnormal growth. The test will help in determining any kind of issues present in the body.

Other than this, biopsies are also done on women when their mammograms show any abnormal growth or lesion in the breasts. A Biopsy Test is done when any mole or mark on the skin begins to change. It might be a symptom of melanoma. A liver biopsy test is done to investigate if the patient is suffering from liver cirrhosis. If the doctor notices any abnormal growth or change in the body, he prescribes a Biopsy Test.

Biopsy Test

Read more: Cholesterol Test- Things You Have to Know About

Types of biopsy tests:

1. A Needle Biopsy Test: A needle biopsy test is  most common nowadays because it is less painful and easy to conduct. A needle is used to extract a very small portion of the abnormal tissue which is then tested closely to rule out chances of cancer or any other infection.
2. An Ultrasound-Guided Biopsy Test: In this Biopsy Test, an ultrasound machine is used to guide the needle to pick up the portion of tissue from the lesion or abnormal growth. This kind of biopsy is mainly done when the growth is internal. The test is done with the help of machinery so that there won’t be any chance of human error.  
3. A Liver Biopsy Test: A liver Biopsy test is mainly done to check if the patient is suffering from cirrhosis of the liver. In this test, a needle is injected inside the liver through the belly. The needle captures affected tissues from the liver which is then sent for a biopsy test.
4. A CT-Guided Biopsy Test: In a CT guided biopsy test, a CT scanner is used to guide the needle inside the patient's body to capture tissues from the affected area. This kind of biopsy test is conducted for abnormal growths in sensitive areas inside the patient's body.
5. A Bone Marrow Biopsy Test: This test is done to insert the biopsy needle inside a person’s bone marrow to collect bone marrow specimens. This biopsy test helps detect leukemia and lymphoma.
6. A Skin Biopsy Test: A skin biopsy test is conducted by using a circular-shaped blade to extract skin tissue to be sent for biopsy. A skin biopsy test is performed when there is some abnormal growth in the skin or the skin changes color.
7. A Kidney Biopsy Test: It is conducted to screen any abnormal growth or lesions in the kidney. It is performed by injecting a needle in the affected kidney through the skin.
8. A Surgical Biopsy: A surgical biopsy is performed after a surgery where the entire lump or a portion of the lump is extracted for the biopsy test.

The above article is a study on the list of biopsy tests. There are other biopsy tests which are not mentioned in the article. However, these are the most common and mostly done tests to the patients.