Biopsy Test
- Home
- Diagnostics
- Biopsy Test
Learn what to expect when visiting the Emergency Department. Learn More
Overview
A biopsy is the removal of a small tissue sample so that a pathologist can examine it under a microscope. It is often the most accurate way to diagnose a lump, an ulcer, or an unexplained imaging finding. It is the gold standard for diagnosing cancer. At St. Stephen’s Hospital, biopsies are performed by specialist teams — radiologists, surgeons, gastroenterologists, or pulmonologists, depending on where the sample comes from — and the tissue is examined by senior pathologists in our laboratory on the same campus.
What is this test?
There are several types of biopsy, depending on the body part and the type of tissue being sampled: Needle biopsy — a thin needle takes a small amount of tissue from a lump, organ, or area seen on a scan. Often done under ultrasound or CT guidance. Excisional biopsy — the entire lump or lesion is surgically removed and sent to the lab. Endoscopic biopsy — taken during a scope procedure (endoscopy, colonoscopy, bronchoscopy). Skin biopsy — a small piece of skin is removed using a punch or shave technique. Bone marrow biopsy — a needle samples bone marrow, usually from the hip bone.
Why your doctor may order it
- To find out whether a lump or growth is cancerous or benign
- To diagnose the exact type of cancer and guide treatment
- To investigate unexplained organ disease — liver, kidney, lung
- To evaluate skin lesions that look unusual
- To check for chronic infections (such as tuberculosis) where blood tests are unclear
- To monitor disease — for example, repeat liver biopsy after treatment
How long does it take?
A needle biopsy usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. An image-guided biopsy (under ultrasound or CT) may take 30 to 60 minutes including positioning. A surgical biopsy depends on the location and complexity. Plan to be at the hospital for 2 to 4 hours for most biopsies, including pre-procedure checks, the biopsy itself, and
observation afterwards.
How to prepare
- Tell your doctor about all medications you take, especially blood thinners (aspirin, clopidogrel, warfarin, apixaban). Some may need to be stopped a few days before.
- Tell us if you have any bleeding disorder, or have had any previous bleeding problems.
- Bring a list of your current medicines and any allergies.
- Arrange for someone to drive you home if sedation is planned.
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing.
- Bring your prescription, ID, previous scans, and any previous biopsy reports.
What to expect during the test
You will be positioned for access to the biopsy site. The skin is cleaned and a local anaesthetic is injected — this stings briefly, then the area goes numb. If image guidance is used, the radiologist watches the needle on an ultrasound or CT screen as the sample is taken. You may feel pressure but should not feel sharp pain. Several small samples may be taken. The whole sampling step usually lasts only a few minutes. A small dressing is applied at the end. For biopsies needing sedation or general anaesthesia, you will be in a separate procedure room with the anaesthesia team present. You will wake up in recovery.
After the test
- You will be observed for 1 to 4 hours depending on the type of biopsy.
- Some discomfort, mild bleeding, or bruising at the biopsy site is normal and settles over a few days.
- Rest for 24 hours after most biopsies. Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activity for 2 to 3 days.
- Take paracetamol for pain as needed — avoid aspirin or ibuprofen unless your doctor says otherwise.
- Watch for signs of infection (increasing redness, swelling, pus, fever) or significant bleeding — contact us immediately if these occur.
- The pathology report typically takes 3 to 7 working days. Special stains or molecular tests may take longer. Your doctor will go through the results with you.
Do's and Don'ts
- Tell us about every medication, supplement, and herbal product you take.
- Arrange someone to accompany you home if sedation is involved.
- Rest for 24 hours after the biopsy.
- Keep the dressing dry and clean for the first 24 hours.
- Call us immediately if you have heavy bleeding, severe pain, fever, or increasing redness.
- Don't take blood thinners on the day of biopsy unless your doctor has confirmed it is safe.
- Don't drive home alone after a biopsy with sedation.
- Don't lift heavy weights or do strenuous exercise for 2 to 3 days.
- Don't ignore worsening pain, bleeding, or fever — get checked.
- Don't search the internet for what your biopsy might show — wait for the proper report and the conversation with your doctor. Most biopsies turn out to be benign.
Understanding your results
A biopsy report describes the tissue examined under the microscope. “Benign” means non-cancerous. “Malignant” means cancer. “Atypical” or “suspicious” means borderline findings that need further work-up.
If cancer is found, the report will describe the type, grade (how aggressive it looks), and sometimes molecular markers that guide treatment. Your doctor will explain the full report and the next steps. A second opinion is reasonable at this stage if you want one — and we support it.
Frequently asked questions
Most biopsies cause mild discomfort, not severe pain. The local anaesthetic numbs the area first. Some pressure is felt during the sampling itself. Soreness afterwards is normal and usually settles in a few days.
This is a very common worry — and it is not supported by evidence. Modern biopsy techniques are designed to minimise any tissue spread. The benefit of an accurate diagnosis far outweighs the negligible risk.
The tissue must be processed, sliced thin, stained, and examined under a microscope. Some cases need additional stains or molecular tests. Speed matters less than accuracy at this stage.
This means the sample didn't give a clear answer — sometimes because the area was missed, sometimes because the tissue was not enough. A repeat biopsy may be needed. This happens occasionally and is not a sign of poor care.
Yes. Pathology slides can be reviewed by another pathologist — this is a normal part of cancer care, and we will help you arrange it if you wish.