A biopsy with histopathological analysis (PHA) is a medical procedure in which a tissue sample is taken from the body to be analyzed at the microscopic level. This procedure allows doctors to determine the nature of the disease, whether there is an infection, inflammation, or a malignant process (cancer). Biopsy can be performed in different ways, depending on the location of the sample, most commonly using a needle, biopsy instrument, or even surgically. The sample is then sent to the laboratory for histopathological analysis, where it is examined under a microscope to make an accurate diagnosis.
A biopsy with histopathological analysis is performed in the following cases:
- Suspicion of cancer: If the doctor suspects the presence of a malignant disease (such as breast, lung, cervical, prostate cancer, etc.).
- Unclear results from other tests: When other diagnostic methods (ultrasound, CT, MRI, blood tests) are not clear enough and a sample is needed for precise analysis.
- Monitoring chronic diseases: In some cases, biopsy is used to monitor or control chronic diseases and confirm the diagnosis.
- Inflammatory diseases or infections: Biopsy can be useful for assessing inflammatory changes or suspected infections that cannot be diagnosed with other tests.
The procedure of taking a sample lasts from a few minutes to half an hour, depending on the type of biopsy. Histopathological analysis of the sample can take from a few days to a week, depending on the complexity of the analysis and the type of tissue being analyzed. Results will be available once the laboratory finishes the analysis and sends the report to the doctor.