Biopsies

A biopsy refers to the process of surgically removing a piece of  tissue sample to submit for cellular inspection under a microscope. A biopsy sample can be taken from almost any part of the body using sedation, local anesthesia, or general anesthesia when necessary.

Biopsies are most commonly submitted when determining if an abnormality is cancerous or benign (non-cancerous). 

There are various types of biopsies, based on the size and location of abnormal tissue, to get the proper sample for the laboratory.

• A punch biopsy gathers a small, circular piece of tissue using a special tool (biopsy punch). This is a quick process and is used when gathering a small sample of tissue before further excision of the area is performed.

• A wedge biopsy gathers a relatively small sample, but is still larger than the punch biopsy. For a proper wedge biopsy, your veterinary team will collect a slice or chunk of the abnormal tissue.

• In other cases, the entire growth or mass can be excised or removed and submitted for testing. This would be considered an excision biopsy. Once the sample is removed for the body, it is placed in a preservative solution and submitted to the laboratory. 

Biopsies can be a part of a pre-surgical plan or can be used when knowing surgical removal is not possible with the goal of prolonging a good, comfortable life. In either scenario, the results of the biopsy can aid your veterinary team in the best long term treatment plan for your pet.