Not all medical issues can be diagnosed without the use of microscopic and lab tests. A biopsy is a medical procedure used to aid doctors in investigating abnormalities in the body and making diagnoses. During a biopsy procedure, a sample of body tissue is taken for examination under a microscope to identify a wide range of conditions affecting the health when clinical examinations will not suffice.
A sample tissue can be taken from almost anywhere in the body to diagnose health conditions and diseases and to determine the severity of the issue. For instance, in the case of cancer, a biopsy can help determine the stage and grade of cancer, which is very important in the creation of an effective treatment plan to beat the disease. A biopsy can also reveal inflammation and infection and various skin conditions. Additionally, a biopsy can also help doctors measure the effectiveness of a treatment plan and highlight when they should make changes in treatments for better results.
Most biopsy procedures are painless, depending on where the tissue sample is taken from. A local anesthetic can be used to reduce or eliminate pain when a biopsy sample is taken.
Here are different types of biopsy procedures.
Punch Biopsy
A punch biopsy involves the removal of a skin sample, includes the epidermis, dermis, and superficial fat, to investigate skin growth or abnormality. A hole is punched in the skin to obtain the sample. It is one of the most important diagnostic tools to diagnose and treat skin cancer.
Excision Biopsy
Another diagnostic tool for skin conditions, an excision biopsy, involves the removal of the entire area of the abnormal skin using a scalpel. A much larger tissue sample is obtained from an excision biopsy.
Needle Biopsy
A needle biopsy involves the use of an image-guided hollow needle to obtain tissue or fluid samples from an organ, such as the lungs or liver. Masses and lumps usually necessitate a needle biopsy.
Endoscopic Biopsy
An endoscopic biopsy is typically used to obtain samples from the stomach, colon, esophagus, lung, or pancreas. It is used to diagnose the cause of chest, abdominal, or rectal pain.
Perioperative Biopsy
A perioperative biopsy is a type of biopsy that is performed at the same time as when a surgical procedure is being done. Tissue is removed to be tested after surgery to further investigate the health issue of the patient.
Skin Biopsy for Diagnostics and Treatment in Denton and Frisco
Are you experiencing skin changes such as spots, rashes, and redness? Perhaps you have a health condition that needs further looking into? You should have it checked out by a medical professional, so you can begin on the road to recovery. At Star Medical Associates, we provide many diagnostic services, including biopsies to identify the cause of your condition.
To schedule a consultation, call our Denton clinic at (940) 382-6900 and our Frisco clinic at (469) 301-2300. The friendly staff at Star Medical Associates looks forward to assisting you with any questions you may have. You can also send us an appointment request now.
