Biopsy
Biopsy
Samples of tissue are taken from the body to be examined microscopically to ascertain if cancer is present. A pathologist grades the samples and assigns a score or grade to indicate the severity of the cancer (if any).
A sample of tissue is taken from the body to be examined microscopically to ascertain if cancer is present. A doctor will recommend a biopsy when an initial test suggests an area of tissue in the body isn’t normal. It is the most important procedure in diagnosing cancer.
At PFOC, we have strong opinions about biopsies: if you're going to have a biopsy, get an accurate one. Until recently, most biopsies were systematic, meaning that a fixed pattern of samples (usually 12) were taken, hoping these were enough to find any cancer that might be present. In effect, that approach is random, and current guidelines prefer a targeted or fusion biopsy that uses MRI to target suspicious areas. You may have to insist on a targeted biopsy with some doctors.
The most common type is a transrectal ultrasound-guided (TRUS) biopsy, where 12-14 tissue samples are typically taken. Newer methods include:
- MRI-guided biopsy
- Fusion biopsy (combining MRI and ultrasound)
- Transperineal biopsy