Tissue Biopsy

A biopsy is the removal of a small piece of tissue for laboratory examination.

There are several different types of biopsies.

A needle (percutaneous) biopsy removes tissue using a hollow tube called a syringe. A needle is passed thru the syringe into the area of concern. The tissue is taken out using this needle. Needle biopsies are often performed using x-rays (usually CT scan), which guide the surgeon to the appropriate area.

An open biopsy is a surgery that uses general anesthesia. This means you are asleep and pain-free during the procedure. The procedure is done in a hospital operating room. A surgeon makes a cut into the affected area, and the tissue is removed.

Closed biopsy uses a much smaller surgical cut than open biopsy. The small cut is made so that a camera-like instrument can be inserted. This instrument can be used to see the area, and helps guide the surgeon to the appropriate place to take the sample.

(courtesy of www.nlm.nih.gov)

Additional Information

Click Here for several articles discussing biopsy and mesothelioma, including

  • Mesothelioma--VATS biopsy and lung mobilization improves diagnosis and palliatio (12/1999)

  • Reactive Mesothelial Hyperplasia: D.W. Henderson, September 1998