Biopsy
A biopsy is the removal of cells or tissues for examination. The tissue or fluid is generally examined under a microscope by a pathologist. An incisional or core biopsy involves the removal of only a sample of tissue. An excisional biopsy involves the removal of an entire lump or suspicious area. A needle aspiration biopsy is the removal of a tissue sample or fluid using a needle.
Stories
Breast Biopsy
A lump was found on my left breast during my first mammogram at age 40. A sonogram confirmed the lump, and the doctor told me she wanted to do a biopsy, which I agreed to. The doctor used the sonogram to visualize the mass, and told me I would feel some pressure, then counted to 3 and I heard the loud snap. Read More
Mole (Dysplastic Nevus) Removal
The dermatologist saw a dark freckle he didn’t like the look of. He stuck me with a Novocain needle which did not hurt, just a fast prick, and then burned off the freckle. He put the freckle in a vial for testing. A week later I called, the nurse looked up my file, paused, and said she had to get the doctor. I almost fainted. Read More
Thyroid Biopsy
The specialist saw and felt and an unusual condition in the front of my neck and gave me an ultrasound of the thyroid, which showed a nodule on the left side of my thyroid. He then advised that we do a thyroid nodule biopsy. Read More
Thyroid Biopsy
During the exam the doctor felt a lump on my throat. He immediately did a needle biopsy, numbing the area before doing the biopsy. Read More
Bone Marrow Donation
The day before the procedure, I packed for the hospital, and attempted to compose a note to the recipient. I was allowed to send a card or letter, but not supposed to give my name or where I live or anything personally identifying. The next day, I took the note to the hospital with me to the 3rd Floor for Same Day Surgery, which was easy to find. Read More
Mouth Biopsy
I went to an oral surgeon who considered a diagnosis of pemphigus vulgaris, an autoimmune disease that causes blistering of the skin and the mucous membranes. To confirm that suspicion, he needed to do a biopsy. Read More
Mole (Dysplastic Nevus) Removal
I went to the dermatologist for a full-body check. The doctor noticed a mole on my arm that appeared suspicious. Read More
Breast Biopsy
I had this procedure because I got a breast sonogram and a black area showed up. The doctor thought that it was a fibroid because the edges were even, but wanted to do a biopsy to get more information. Read More
Lymphoma Biopsy
Months prior to the biopsy, I experienced drenching night sweats, swollen lymph glands and extreme fatigue. After a number of inconclusive blood tests, my doctor decided to have an enlarged lymph node biopsied. Read More
