What Is A Biopsy?

Transcript

When you’re getting a colonoscopy, the gastroenterologist may find a tumor or a large polyp. At that time, they’ll either determine that the polyp or lesion is resectable, or they may take a biopsy.

The biopsy is actually performed with a forceps that has a small claw at the end that actually takes a piece of the polyp or mass. Sometimes they’ll actually perform what’s called a snare polypectomy or a snare biopsy, and this is actually a wire that goes around the polyp and cuts through it and takes a chunk of the polyp or mass off at that time.

Key Takeaways

1. When you’re getting a colonoscopy, the gastroenterologist may find a tumor or a large polyp.

2. At that time, they’ll either determine that the polyp or lesion is resectable, or they may take a biopsy.

3. The biopsy is actually performed with a forceps that has a small claw at the end that takes a piece of the polyp or mass.

4. Sometimes they’ll actually perform a snare polypectomy or a snare biopsy, which is a wire that goes around the polyp and cuts through it and takes a chunk of the polyp or mass off at that time.