A biopsy is often recommended if your doctor thinks that your child might have cancer. 

While going through a biopsy, your PCP will take a modest quantity of tissue from the region where the cancer is evidently present. The tissue that is extracted is then sent to the laboratory and is so closely examined under a microscope by a specialist who is capable of determining whether any of the cells that are present are cancerous. Though there are various other tests to determine cancer, only biopsy shows the accurate results whether they are cancer cells or not. 

What are the different types of Biopsy?

There are various types of biopsies that can be performed and mostly they are dependent on where the cancer is located. A general biopsy is taken by using specific kinds of needles to collect cells to test the particular for cancer. 

For example, during the time spent on fine-needle aspiration biopsy, a flimsy needle is embedded through the skin and an example of cells is gathered. Sometimes even fluid samples are collected. This is the most common type of biopsy that is performed. It is performed in cases where a mass of cells can be felt through the skin. For a core needle biopsy, a bigger needle is utilized to eliminate a bigger tissue test than a fine needle biopsy. For a vacuum-helped biopsy, a pull gadget is utilized to gather a tissue test through a specially designed needle. Multiple samples can be collected by your doctor from the same site using methods that they find more suitable. 

One more technique for biopsy is known as an image-guided biopsy. This type of biopsy makes use of equipment that is used for imaging purposes to take a sample. This method is done in cases if the doctor feels your tumor is due to it being deeper in the body. In certain cases even if the tumor can be felt, an imaging biopsy is used to direct the specialist to the right part of the body. Thus doing the screening process in the safest way possible. The following are the types of imaging equipment used. 

• Ultrasound
• Fluoroscopy
• Computed tomography (CT) scan
• X-ray
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan

Core needle Biopsies and vacuum-assisted Biopsies: This type of biopsy can be done with imaging equipment if needed. 

Surgical Biopsy: In this type of biopsy, surgery is done to remove the tissue that might be recognized as cancer. An incision is made in the area where the suspicious growth is found. The area where the growth is found determines the complexity of the surgery. 

Shave Biopsy: In this type of biopsy, some tissues are removed by scraping the surface of the skin. 

Punch Biopsy: In this method, a small circular instrument is used to push through the surface of the skin and take a sample of tissue from underneath the skin’s surface. This is one of the most commonly used practices in skin biopsy.

Endoscopic Biopsy: This biopsy is done using an endoscope. An endoscope is a slim, lit adaptable cylinder that has a camera toward the end that permits the specialist to see within the body like the throat, bladder, stomach, and joints. The tube can be inserted through the nose, mouth, or a small incision in the skin.  The camera that is joined toward the finish of the endoscope assists the specialists with reviewing any strange regions. A sample of the tissues can also be collected.

Laparoscopic Biopsy: This is similar to an endoscopic biopsy. This biopsy is used to examine certain areas of the body, specifically the pelvis and the abdomen. If the procedure is done in the chest region then it is known as thoracoscopy. In this type of biopsy, a thin tube is inserted with a video camera through the abdomen by means of a small incision made in the skin allowing them to see if there are any abnormal growths within your body

Bone marrow Aspiration and Biopsy: This biopsy is done in the bone marrow, which is the soft tissue and liquid that are found inside your bones. In this, an aspiration is done to collect a small amount of the liquid in the bones and taken using a needle whereas a biopsy is done to collect a sample of solid tissue. Biopsy and Aspiration in the bone marrow are generally finished to decide if there is anything off-base in the bone marrow and to decide whether there is any blood problem, or blood diseases like leukemia, lymphoma, or numerous myeloma. The biopsy is often done in the pelvic bone on the lower back or near the hip.  

Liquid biopsy: This is a testing of a blood sample for cancer. Here a sample of the blood is taken and analyzed in the lab by running certain tests. By using this method of testing, one can also determine whether the cancer is responding to treatment. This is much safer than taking a tissue sample to determine the presence of cancer and the sample can be collected multiple times. 

This kind of biopsy is still new and is definitely not a typical strategy for deciding disease. Research is yet in progress.

Who does a Biopsy?

The kind of biopsy that is taken relies upon the sort of methodology suggested and the piece of the body where the biopsy is to be led. The different clinical expert who conducts biopsy is,

• A specialist
• An oncologist, who is expertise in treating cancer 
• A radiologist, who is expertise in taking and perusing clinical pictures
• A pathologist, who has practical experience in seeing tissue tests for sickness and deciphering research center tests
• A dermatologist, who has practical experience in skin conditions
• A few biopsies may likewise be finished by doctor partners and medical caretaker professionals
• A cytologist, who spends significant time in the investigation of cells might do fine needle aspirations.
• A gastroenterologist, who has practical experience in the stomach-related framework
• A family practice specialist or differently trained professionals
• A gynaecologist, who specializes in women’s health

How to get ready for a Biopsy:

Your child’s doctor might have told them to be prepared for a biopsy. But as a parent, you might be wondering what should be done to prepare your child for a biopsy. Preparing depends on several factors, the first being the type of biopsy that they need to undergo. You might not be required to put in too much effort to prepare for a fine needle biopsy. You should simply take off your attire and put on the medical clinic outfit. Some biopsies require you to do additional preparation in advance. 

When you take your child through the process, a medical professional will explain the procedure to them. Make sure to review the materials that are in your doctor’s office before you go in for your test and clarify anything that you might have doubts about. If you have any concerns, talk to your doctor about that too, 

The following are the concerns that most patients have when they come in for a Biopsy,

• Whether there are any restrictions on what to eat or drink before the biopsy. If there are any restrictions, they should be informed beforehand. 
• Whether there are any restrictions on medications. Prior to performing specific sorts of biopsies, your primary care physician will find out if you are taking any kind of drug-like anti-inflammatory medicine or blood thinners. Let them know if you are taking any sort of medications including supplements. 
• On the off chance that they have any sensitivities or other ailments.
• Always be sure of where the biopsy takes place and if it is someplace other than the doctor’s office, make sure it is covered by your insurance
• Before the medical procedure, a consent form will require your signature, read through it completely, and in case of any doubts talk to your doctor. 
• Feel free to ask your doctor about the recovery after the procedure.