Biopsy

A Medical Malpractice Overview

A biopsy is a medical procedure that involves removing a small sample of tissue from a patient’s body to examine it under a microscope. This examination, performed by a pathologist, can help diagnose various medical conditions, including cancer, infections, and inflammatory diseases. While they are generally safe procedures, medical malpractice claims can arise due to various factors, including errors in diagnosis, improper performance of the procedure, and delays in obtaining results.  

Overview

A biopsy is a valuable diagnostic tool to determine the cause of a medical problem. It involves removing a small sample of tissue from a suspected area of concern. A pathologist, a doctor who specializes in diagnosing diseases by examining cells and tissues, then examines this tissue sample under a microscope.

History

The concept of using tissue samples for diagnosis dates back to the 19th century. However, modern techniques have evolved significantly, thanks to advancements in medical technology and understanding of cellular pathology. Doctors often performed early biopsies using crude instruments and this involved significant risks. Today, they are typically performed using minimally invasive techniques, such as needle biopsies or endoscopic procedures.  

Medical Conditions Requiring Biopsy

Biopsies are generally used to diagnose a wide range of medical conditions, including:

• Cancer: They are crucial for diagnosing various types of cancer, including breast cancer, lung cancer, prostate cancer, and skin cancer.  
• Infections: They can help identify the cause of infections, such as fungal infections, bacterial infections, and viral infections.  
• Inflammatory Diseases: They can be used to diagnose inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and inflammatory bowel disease.  
• Skin Conditions: They are often used to diagnose skin conditions such as moles, cysts, and skin cancers.  

Medical Providers Performing Biopsies

The type of doctors who performs one depends specifically on the location of the tissue sample. Some common providers generally include:

• Dermatologists: Perform biopsies of skin lesions.  
• Gastroenterologists: Perform endoscopies to obtain tissue samples from the digestive tract.  
• Gynecologists: Perform biopsies of the cervix, uterus, and ovaries.  
• Pulmonologists: Perform bronchoscopies to obtain tissue samples from the lungs.  
• Urologists: Perform biopsies of the prostate and bladder.  
• Surgeons: May perform surgical biopsies to remove larger tissue samples.  

Biopsy Procedure

The specific procedure for a biopsy varies depending on the location of the tissue sample. However, most biopsies follow these general steps:

1. Preparation: The patient may receive local anesthesia to numb the area.  
2. Tissue Removal: The doctor uses a needle, endoscope, or surgical instrument to remove a small sample of tissue.  
3. Sample Processing: The tissue sample is preserved and sent to a pathology laboratory.  
4. Pathology Examination: A pathologist examines the tissue under a microscope to identify any abnormalities.  

Interpretation of Biopsy Results

A pathologist interprets the results and prepares a report, then sends it to the patient’s doctor. The report typically includes:  

• Description of the tissue sample: This includes the type of tissue, its size, and any visible abnormalities.
• Microscopic findings: The pathologist describes any abnormal cells or tissues observed under the microscope.  
• Diagnosis: The pathologist provides a diagnosis based on the microscopic findings.  

What a Biopsy Can and Cannot Show

A biopsy can provide valuable information about the presence of abnormal cells or tissues. However, it has limitations:

• Cannot Detect All Cancers: Some cancers may not be detectable through a biopsy, especially if the cancer cells are scattered or very small.
• Cannot Determine Cancer Stage: It can confirm the presence of cancer but cannot determine the stage of the cancer or its extent.
• Cannot Predict Future Behavior: It cannot predict how a cancer will behave or respond to treatment.

Medical Malpractice Claims Related to Biopsy

Medical malpractice claims can arise due to various factors, including:

• Misdiagnosis: A doctor may fail to order a biopsy when indicated, leading to a delayed diagnosis or missed diagnosis.  
• Improper Performance of Biopsy: The doctor may perform it incorrectly, resulting in pain, bleeding, or infection.  
• Misinterpretation of Biopsy Results: The pathologist may misinterpret the results, leading to an incorrect diagnosis.  
• Delay in Obtaining Biopsy Results: Delays in obtaining results can lead to delayed treatment and worsened outcomes.  

If you have an injury from medical malpractice related to a biopsy, it is important to consult with an experienced medical malpractice attorney. We can evaluate your case and determine if you have grounds for a lawsuit.

Visit the free consultation page or video. Then contact the Kopec Law Firm at 800-604-0704 to speak directly with Attorney Mark Kopec. He is a top-rated Baltimore medical malpractice lawyer. The Kopec Law Firm is in Baltimore and pursues cases throughout Maryland and Washington, D.C.