Biopsy
Removal of cells or tissue from the body for microscopic or laboratory examination to establish or refine a diagnosis.
The clinical context of Biopsy lies mainly in diagnostic medicine; understanding it requires relating the term to symptoms, anatomy, physiology and the patient's medical history.
How biopsy presents is not identical in every patient: age, underlying disease, duration, severity and associated clinical findings can substantially change its appearance.
Evaluation of biopsy starts with the relevant history and examination, followed when appropriate by laboratory studies, imaging, pathology, microbiology, functional testing or another targeted investigation.
Care for biopsy is individualized, balancing symptom control, treatment of the underlying process, prevention of complications and preservation of normal function.
The outlook associated with biopsy varies by cause and timing of treatment, making accurate diagnosis and appropriate follow-up more useful than interpreting the term in isolation.
How biopsy presents is not identical in every patient: age, underlying disease, duration, severity and associated clinical findings can substantially change its appearance.
Evaluation of biopsy starts with the relevant history and examination, followed when appropriate by laboratory studies, imaging, pathology, microbiology, functional testing or another targeted investigation.
Care for biopsy is individualized, balancing symptom control, treatment of the underlying process, prevention of complications and preservation of normal function.
The outlook associated with biopsy varies by cause and timing of treatment, making accurate diagnosis and appropriate follow-up more useful than interpreting the term in isolation.
This information is for general awareness only and is not medical advice. Consult a doctor for any health concern.