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Biopsy - biliary tract
Cytology analysis - biliary tract; Biliary tract biopsy
A biliary tract biopsy is the removal of small amounts of cells and fluids from the duodenum, bile ducts, pancreas, or pancreatic duct. The sample is examined under a microscope.
How the Test is Performed
A sample for a biliary tract biopsy can be obtained in different ways.
A needle biopsy can be done if you have a well-defined tumor.
- The biopsy site is cleaned.
- A thin needle is inserted into the area to be tested, and a sample of cells and fluid are removed.
- The needle is then removed.
- Pressure is put on the area to stop any bleeding. The site will be covered with a bandage.
If you have a narrowing or blockage of the bile or pancreatic ducts, a sample can be taken during procedures such as:
- Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)
- Percutaneous transhepatic cholangiogram (PTCA)
How to Prepare for the Test
You may not be able to eat or drink 8 to 12 hours or more before the test. Your health care provider will tell you ahead of time what you need to do.
Make sure you have someone to drive you home.
How the Test will Feel
How the test will feel depends on the type of procedure used to remove the biopsy sample. With a needle biopsy, you may feel a sting as the needle is inserted. Some people feel a cramping or pinching feeling during the procedure.
Medicines that stop pain and help you relax are commonly used for other biliary tract biopsy methods.
Why the Test is Performed
A biliary tract biopsy can determine if a tumor started in the liver or spread from another location. It also can determine if the tumor is cancerous.
This test may be done:
-
After a physical exam,
x-ray
,
MRI
,
CT scan
, or
ultrasound
shows abnormal growths in your biliary tract
x-ray
X-rays are a type of electromagnetic radiation, just like visible light. An x-ray machine sends individual x-ray particles through the body. The im...
ImageRead Article Now Book Mark ArticleMRI
A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan is an imaging test that uses powerful magnets and radio waves to create pictures of the body. It does not us...
ImageRead Article Now Book Mark ArticleCT scan
A computed tomography (CT) scan is an imaging method that uses x-rays to create pictures of cross-sections of the body. Related tests include:Abdomin...
ImageRead Article Now Book Mark ArticleUltrasound
Ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to make images of organs and structures inside the body.
ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article - To test for diseases or infection
Normal Results
A normal result means there are no signs of cancer, disease, or infection in the biopsy sample.
What Abnormal Results Mean
Abnormal results may be due to:
-
Cancer of the bile ducts (
cholangiocarcinoma
)
Cholangiocarcinoma
Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a rare cancerous (malignant) growth in one of the ducts that carries bile from the liver to the small intestine.
ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article - Cysts in the liver
- Liver cancer
-
Pancreatic cancer
Pancreatic cancer
Pancreatic cancer is cancer that starts in the pancreas.
ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article -
Swelling and scarring of the bile ducts (
primary sclerosing cholangitis
)
Primary sclerosing cholangitis
Sclerosing cholangitis refers to swelling (inflammation), scarring, and destruction of the bile ducts inside and outside of the liver.
ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article
Risks
Risks depend on how the biopsy sample was taken.
Risks may include:
- Bleeding at the biopsy site
- Infection
References
Fogel EL, Sherman S. Diseases of the gall bladder and bile ducts. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman's Cecil Medicine . 25th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2016:chap 158.
Stockland AH, Baron TH. Endoscopic and radiologic treatment of biliary disease. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisenger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease . 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2010:chap 70.
-
Gallbladder endoscopy - illustration
An endoscope, a flexible fiberoptic scope with a light, is inserted through the mouth into the duodenum. A catheter is advanced through the endoscope and inserted into the pancreatic or biliary ducts. A contrast agent is injected into these ducts and X-rays are taken to evaluate their caliber, length and course. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is performed to identify any narrowing, stones, or tumors in the pancreatic or biliary ducts.
Gallbladder endoscopy
illustration
-
Bile culture - illustration
A bile culture test is performed to see if there is infection in the biliary tract. A specimen of bile is placed in culture media and observed for growth of microorganisms. If there is no growth in the culture, then there is no infection. If there is growth in the culture media, the growth is then isolated and identified to determine the appropriate method of treatment.
Bile culture
illustration
-
Gallbladder endoscopy - illustration
An endoscope, a flexible fiberoptic scope with a light, is inserted through the mouth into the duodenum. A catheter is advanced through the endoscope and inserted into the pancreatic or biliary ducts. A contrast agent is injected into these ducts and X-rays are taken to evaluate their caliber, length and course. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is performed to identify any narrowing, stones, or tumors in the pancreatic or biliary ducts.
Gallbladder endoscopy
illustration
-
Bile culture - illustration
A bile culture test is performed to see if there is infection in the biliary tract. A specimen of bile is placed in culture media and observed for growth of microorganisms. If there is no growth in the culture, then there is no infection. If there is growth in the culture media, the growth is then isolated and identified to determine the appropriate method of treatment.
Bile culture
illustration
Review Date: 2/11/2015
Reviewed By: Subodh K. Lal, MD, gastroenterologist at Gastrointestinal Specialists of Georgia, Austell, GA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
