Posts Tagged ‘Biopsy’

Diagnosis Tests of Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is diagnosed from the results of a biopsy of the prostate gland. If the digital rectal exam of the prostate or the PSA blood test is abnormal, a prostate cancer is suspected. A biopsy of the prostate is usually then recommended.

Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test

A test that measures the level of PSA in the blood. PSA is a substance made by the prostate that may be found in an increased amount in the blood of men who have prostate cancer. PSA levels may also be high in men who have an infection or inflammation of the prostate or BPH.

Digital Rectal Exam (DRE)

During this exam, the physician inserts a lubricated, gloved finger (digit) into the rectum. Because of the prostate’s location just in front of the rectum, the physician is able to feel the edge of the prostate where the majority of cancers begin. Abnormalities such as bumps or hardness of the prostate can be detected in this way.

MRI Scan

A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan is a computerized picture made by magnetic fields that can show detailed, cross-sectional images of the inner body. MRI scans can create a clear picture of the prostate gland.

Ultrasound

The prostate can be examined through a type of ultrasound called transrectal ultrasonography. In this exam, a tube is inserted into the rectum that carries the sound waves to the nearby prostate, producing a better image.

CT Scan

A CT (computed tomography) scan is a sophisticated x-ray producedure that uses a computer and rotating x-ray beams to produce images of soft tissue, bone, and blood vessels.

Prostate Biopsy

If an abnormality is found on the DRE or the PSA test, the physician will typically order a biopsy of the prostate.
A biopsy involves taking a very small sample of tissue from the prostate. This is done using a thin needle that is placed into the prostate. A tiny amount of tissue is trapped in the needle while it is in the prostate and then the needle is pulled out. This procedure is usually done by an urologist or other surgeon. The pathologist will examine the biopsy sample to check for cancer cells and determine the Gleason score. The Gleason score ranges from 2-10 and describes how likely it is that a tumor will spread. The lower the number, the less likely the tumor is to spread.
There are 2 types of biopsy procedures used to diagnose prostate cancer:
- Transrectal biopsy : The removal of tissue from the prostate by inserting a thin needle through the rectum and into the prostate.
- Transperineal biopsy: The removal of tissue from the prostate by inserting a thin needle through the skin between the scrotum and rectum and into the prostate.

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Methods to diagnose bone cancer – Biopsy

A biopsy is a medical procedure that removes a tissue sample for microscopic examination. The biopsy is the most conclusive test because it confirms if the tumor is malignant or benign, the bone cancer type (primary or secondary bone cancer), and stage.
Types of biopsy procedures used to diagnose bone cancer include:

Needle Biopsy

During a needle biopsy, the surgeon makes a small hole in the bone and removes a sample of tissue from the tumor with a needle-like instrument. There are 2 types of needle biopsies: fine needle biopsies and core needle biopsies. In Fine Needle Biopsy, the tissue sample is removed with a thin needle attached to a syringe. In Core Needle Biopsy, the doctor removes a small cylinder of tissue sample from the tumor with a rotating knife like device.

Surgical bone biopsy

In this procedure, a surgeon needs to cut through the skin to reach the tumor in order to remove a small piece of tissue. This is also called an incisional biopsy. If the entire tumor is removed (not just a small piece), it is called an excisional biopsy. These biopsies are often done under general anesthesia (with the patient asleep). They can also be done using a nerve block, which makes a large area numb.

Diagnosis of Cervical Cancer

Doctors recommend that women help reduce their risk of cervical cancer by having regular Pap tests. A Pap test is a simple test used to look at cervical cells. Pap tests can find cervical cancer or abnormal cells that can lead to cervical cancer. To perform a Pap test, a health professional uses a spatula, brush, or cotton swab to collect cells from the cervix The narrow, lower end of the uterus (womb). and cervical canal. The cells are then “smeared” on a slide, preserved with a fixative, stained, and sent to a laboratory for microscopic analysis by a cytopathologist.
If the Pap test results show some problems, then your doctor will perform these tests :

Cone Biopsy

A cone-shaped piece of tissue is removed. The cone biopsy is also a treatment, and can completely remove many precancers and early cancers. More than 90 percent of cervical cancers can be halted with this technique without further treatment. Tissue is removed from the area between the ectocervix and the endocervix. It includes two methods :
- LEEP : A loop electro surgical excision procedure (LEEP) is a procedure done under local anesthesia to remove tissue from the cervix. A LEEP uses an electrically charged wire loop to remove a tissue sample.
- Cold knife cone biopsy : The physician uses a surgical scalpel or laser (intense, focused light beam) to remove abnormal cervical tissue. It is done under general anesthesia.

Colposcopy

The colposcope combines a bright light with a magnifying lens to make tissue easier to see. It is not inserted into the vagina. A colposcopy is usually done in the doctor’s office or clinic. If colposcopy reveals abnormal areas on the cervix, the physician will order a biopsy.

Endocervical Curretage

After the anasthesia is given, a narrow instrument called a curette is inserted into the endocervix and cells are taken.

Dilation And Curettage (D&C)

During a “D&C,” the physician enlarges the cervix (dilation) and scrapes the inside of the uterus and cervical canal (curettage) to remove tissue for microscopic analysis.

Cervicography

It examines a photographic image of the cervix. Cervicography may clarify abnormal Pap test results in women.