A biopsy is the removal of a small piece of tissue or a sample of cells so it can be examined under a microscope. It is the only certain way of telling if an abnormal area or lump is a cancer or not.
What is a biopsy?
A biopsy is the removal of a small piece of tissue or a sample of cells so it can be examined under a microscope. It is the only certain way of telling if an abnormal area or lump is a cancer or not.
As well as helping to diagnose pancreatic cancer, a biopsy may give your doctors information about the grade and the type of pancreatic cancer. Different tests can be done on the cells that give more information and help the doctors plan the best treatment.
As well as helping to diagnose pancreatic cancer, a biopsy may give your doctors information about the grade and the type of pancreatic cancer. Different tests can be done on the cells that give more information and help the doctors plan the best treatment.
Having a biopsy for pancreatic cancer
A biopsy for pancreatic cancer can be taken in different ways.
The doctor may take a biopsy during an:
These tests use a thin, flexible tube called an endoscope to look at the pancreas from inside the small bowel.
Through the skin
You may have a biopsy taken using a needle through the skin of your tummy. This is called a percutaneous biopsy or fine needle aspirate (FNA). The doctor injects a local anaesthetic into the skin to numb the area first. They then guide the needle through the skin and into the tumour. This is to take (aspirate) a sample of cells. They are able to guide the needle using images from an ultrasound or CT scan.
During surgery to look inside the tummy
You may have a biopsy taken during a laparoscopy. This is a small operation that allows doctors to look at the pancreas and other organs in the tummy.
The doctor will send the sample of cells to a laboratory to test for cancer. To help make an accurate diagnosis, they sometimes repeat the biopsy.
The doctor will send the sample of cells to a laboratory to test for cancer. To help make an accurate diagnosis, they sometimes repeat the biopsy.
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