Who needs a tissue biopsy, and when is it typically recommended?

[Anonymous]

Who needs a tissue biopsy, and when is it typically recommended?

[Genetic Counselor]

A tissue biopsy is typically recommended when imaging scans, blood tests, or physical examination findings suggest an abnormal growth or lesion that needs definitive diagnosis. It is considered the standard method for confirming a new cancer diagnosis.

It is most often used when:

*A lump, mass, or lesion is found on imaging, such as a computed tomography scan, magnetic resonance imaging scan, or mammogram, and needs to be classified as benign or malignant
*A patient has symptoms suggestive of cancer that require tissue confirmation before starting treatment
*Doctors need to determine the exact cancer type and molecular profile to plan targeted therapy, chemotherapy, or radiation
*There is a need to reassess a tumour’s characteristics after treatment, for example if a cancer appears to be progressing and doctors want to check whether it has changed at a molecular level
*Non-cancerous conditions, such as certain infections, autoimmune diseases, or organ conditions, need microscopic tissue confirmation for diagnosis

[Author]

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