Biopsy is a medical diagnosis performed for patients suspected to have cancer or when a tumor has been diagnosed. The initial diagnosis usually begins with the patient’s physical examination by the doctor, followed by imaging procedures such as X-rays. In case any tumors are evident, a biopsy is advised.
 

Let us discuss the procedure for cancer diagnosis, the various types of biopsies, and determine how often the procedure is accurate in identifying cancer from the tumor.

 

Cancer biopsy is a medical diagnosis or procedure where tissue samples are taken from the patient. Tissues from the tumor itself or those surrounding it are removed, preserved and sent to the laboratory for examination and deep investigation to determine whether they show presence or signs of cancer cells. These tissues are set in wax and finely sliced. Following this, the tissue samples are mounted on a glass slide and stained with various dyes. This is to help evaluate the different signs or characteristics of the tumor cells. The biopsy on the tissues or diagnosis for cancer usually takes a day. In case of results showing presence of cancer, doctor might advise further treatments.

 

There are various types of biopsy employed in the diagnosis of cancer from the visible tumor. Here are some key biopsy types to help arrive at an accurate diagnosis.

 

The biopsies or the diagnosis procedure for determining whether a tumor can be a cancerous one, are not always accurate. However, in most cases, the diagnosis is accurate. Among the various types of cancer/ tumor biopsies, accuracy levels vary in cancer or tumor diagnosis. Considering the needle procedures, in case of FNA, the accuracy primarily depends on the expertise of the person or expert pathologist extracting the tissue. Similarly, core needle biopsies for tumor or cancer usually have chances of providing a diagnosis different from that of an open biopsy.