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Biopsy - polyps
Polyp biopsy
A polyp biopsy is a test that takes a sample of, or removes polyps (abnormal growths) for examination.
Biopsy
A biopsy is the removal of a small piece of tissue for laboratory examination.
How the Test is Performed
Polyps are growths of tissue that may be attached by a stalk-like structure (a pedicle ). Polyps are commonly found in organs with many blood vessels. Such organs include the uterus, colon , and nose .
Pedicle
A pedicle is a stem or stalk of tissue that connects parts of the body to each other. The brain has many pedicles (such as the cerebral pedicle) tha...
Colon
A colorectal polyp is a growth on the lining of the colon or rectum.
Nose
Nasal polyps are soft, sac-like growths on the lining of the nose or sinuses.
Some polyps are cancerous (malignant) and the cancer cells are likely to spread. Most polyps are noncancerous (benign). The most common site of polyps that are treated is the colon.
How a polyp biopsy is done depends on the location:
-
Colonoscopy
or flexible sigmoidoscopy explores the large bowel
Colonoscopy
A colonoscopy is an exam that views the inside of the colon (large intestine) and rectum, using a tool called a colonoscope. The colonoscope has a sm...
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Colposcopy-directed biopsy
examines the vagina and cervix
Colposcopy-directed biopsy
A colposcopy is a special way of looking at the cervix. It uses a light and a low-powered microscope to make the cervix appear much larger. This he...
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Esophagogastroduodenoscopy
(EGD) or other
endoscopy
is used for the throat, stomach, and small bowel
Esophagogastroduodenoscopy
Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) is a test to examine the lining of the esophagus, stomach, and first part of the small intestine.
Read Article Now Book Mark ArticleEndoscopy
Endoscopy is a way of looking inside the body using a flexible tube that has a small camera and light on the end of it. This instrument is called an...
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Laryngoscopy
is used for the nose and throat
Laryngoscopy
Laryngoscopy is an exam of the voice box (larynx). It can be done using a small mirror held just below the back of your palate, or a rigid or flexib...
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For areas of the body that can be seen or where the polyp can be felt, a numbing medicine is applied to the skin. Then a small piece of the tissue that appears to be abnormal is removed. This tissue is sent to a laboratory. There, it is tested to see if it is cancerous.
How to Prepare for the Test
If the biopsy is in the nose or another surface that is open or can be seen, no special preparation is needed. Your health care provider will tell you if you need to not eat or drink anything (fast) before the biopsy.
More preparation is needed for biopsies inside the body. For example, if you have a biopsy of the stomach, you should not eat anything for several hours before the procedure. If you are having a colonoscopy, a solution to clean your bowels is needed before the procedure.
Follow your provider's preparation instructions exactly.
How the Test will Feel
For polyps on the skin surface, you may feel tugging while the biopsy sample is being taken. After the numbing medicine wears off, the area may be sore for a few days.
Biopsies of polyps inside the body are done during procedures such as EGD or colonoscopy. Usually, you will not feel anything during or after the biopsy.
Why the Test is Performed
The test is done to determine if the growth is cancerous (malignant). The procedure may also be done to relieve symptoms, such as with the removal of nasal polyps.
Normal Results
Examination of the biopsy sample shows the polyp to be benign (not cancerous).
What Abnormal Results Mean
Cancer cells are present and may be a sign of a cancerous tumor . Further tests may be needed. Often, the polyp may be removed.
Tumor
A tumor is an abnormal growth of body tissue. Tumors can be cancerous (malignant) or noncancerous (benign).
Risks
Risks include:
- Bleeding
- Hole (perforation) in organ
- Infection
References
Lentz G. Endoscopy: hysteroscopy and laparoscopy. In: Lentz GM, Lobo RA, Gershenson DM, Katz VL, eds. Comprehensive Gynecology . 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Mosby; 2012:chap 10.
Samlan RA, Kundak M. Visualization of the larynx. In: Flint PW, Haughey BH, Lund VJ, et al., eds. Cummings Otolaryngology: Head & Neck Surgery. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Mosby; 2015:chap 55.
Soetikno R, Kaltenbach T, Friedland S, Matsuda T. Colonoscopic polypectomy, mucosal resection, and submucosal resection. In: Ginsberg GG, Gostout CJ, Kochman ML, Norton ID. Clinical Gastrointestinal Endoscopy . 2nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2012:chap 36.
Review Date: 2/2/2015
Reviewed By: Denis Hadjiliadis, MD, MHS, Paul F. Harron Jr. Associate Professor of Medicine, Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
