The Mesothelioma SOS Glossary - Biopsy
Biopsy is a medical term that involves the removal of tissues or specimens for examination. The tissue is then analyzed either by examination or chemically, for abnormalities. There are several different methods of taking biopsies, including incisional or core biopsy, excisional biopsy, and needle aspiration biopsy. Incisional biopsy, or core biopsy is when doctors remove only a small sample of tissue to examine. Excisional biopsy typically removes an entire area of suspicious tissue, or an irregular lump. Needle aspiration biopsy is the least invasive form of biopsy, and involves taking a sample of tissue or fluid through a small needle. Biopsies can determine not only if a specimen is benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous), they can also help doctors to determine what kind of cancer a patient may have, and what stage the cancer may be in. Additionally, the margins of biopsy specimens can help doctors to determine if the cancer has spread into other regions of the body outside the malignant tumor mass. The edges of the biopsy specimen are examined, and “clear” or “negative” margins identifies that the cancer is contained within the tumor mass. “Positive” margins means that the disease has spread outside the tumor and additional treatments will likely be needed. .
Thank you for visiting this website which is created for the benefit of the general public. This website and its content are produced and sponsored by the law firm of James F. Early, LLC (James F. Early, Esq.). All of the information is intended as a resource available at no cost to people diagnosed with mesothelioma and their loved ones. Nonetheless, it may be considered attorney advertising. The content contained herein was not prepared by medical professionals and it is not intended, nor should it be considered, as a substitute for medical advice. The information provided on this website is intended as educational material, designed solely to support, and not replace, the relationship that exists between a patient/site visitor and his/her healthcare professional. Additionally, neither visiting this website nor viewing its content is intended, and shall not be considered, to create an attorney-client relationship. An attorney-client relationship can only be created by mutual agreement and consent of the prospective client and the attorney. Neither the transmission nor receipt of this website material creates an attorney-client relationship between sender and receiver. The material contained herein is general in nature and may not apply to your particular factual or legal circumstances. Online readers should not act on this information without seeking professional counsel and advice. All information on this website is provided as a resource for the convenience and benefit of visitors to this website and their families. No affiliation with or endorsement of: (1) this website by the persons, facilities or organizations listed herein; OR (2) such persons, facilities or organizations by this website, is intended, nor should it be inferred. In all cases and without exception, such visitors and their families, for their own particular situation, must perform their own investigation of the suitability and appropriateness of any such person, facility or organization.
Please read our disclaimer for more information.