Biopsy - polyps: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia

P A polyp biopsy is a test that takes a sample of, or removes polyps (abnormal growths) for examination.

T How the Test is Performed
P Polyps are growths of tissue that may be attached by a stalk-like structure (a pedicle). Polyps are commonly found in organs with many blood vessels. Such organs include the uterus, colon, and nose.
P Some polyps are cancerous (malignant) and the cancer cells are likely to spread. Most polyps are noncancerous (benign). The most common site of polyps that are treated is the colon.
P How a polyp biopsy is done depends on the location:
- Colonoscopy or flexible sigmoidoscopy explores the large bowel
- Colposcopy-directed biopsy examines the vagina and cervix
- Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) or other endoscopy is used for the throat, stomach, and small bowel
- Laryngoscopy is used for the nose and throat
P For areas of the body that can be seen or where the polyp can be felt, a numbing medicine is applied to the skin. Then a small piece of the tissue that appears to be abnormal is removed. This tissue is sent to a laboratory. There, it is tested to see if it is cancerous.

T How to Prepare for the Test
P If the biopsy is in the nose or another surface that is open or can be seen, no special preparation is needed. Your health care provider will tell you if you need to not eat or drink anything (fast) before the biopsy.
P More preparation is needed for biopsies inside the body. For example, if you have a biopsy of the stomach, you should not eat anything for several hours before the procedure. If you are having a colonoscopy, a solution to clean your bowels is needed before the procedure.
P Follow your provider's preparation instructions exactly.

T How the Test will Feel
P For polyps on the skin surface, you may feel tugging while the biopsy sample is being taken. After the numbing medicine wears off, the area may be sore for a few days.
P Biopsies of polyps inside the body are done during procedures such as EGD or colonoscopy. Usually, you will not feel anything during or after the biopsy.

T Why the Test is Performed
P The test is done to determine if the growth is cancerous (malignant). The procedure may also be done to relieve symptoms, such as with the removal of nasal polyps.

T Normal Results
P Examination of the biopsy sample shows the polyp to be benign (not cancerous).

T What Abnormal Results Mean
P Cancer cells are present and may be a sign of a cancerous tumor. Further tests may be needed. Often, the polyp may need more treatment to ensure it is completely removed.

T Risks
P Risks include:
- Bleeding
- Hole (perforation) in organ
- Infection

T Alternative Names
P Polyp biopsy

T References
P Bachert C, Calus L, Gevaert P. Rhinosinusitis and nasal polyps. In: Adkinson NF, Bochner BS, Burks AW, et al, eds. Middleton's Allergy: Principles and Practice. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2014:chap 43.
P Carlson SM, Goldberg J, Lentz GM. Endoscopy: hysteroscopy and laparoscopy: indications, contraindications, and complications. In: Lobo RA, Gershenson DM, Lentz GM, Valea FA, eds. Comprehensive Gynecology. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2017:chap 10.
P Samlan RA, Kunduk M. Visualization of the larynx. In: Flint PW, Haughey BH, Lund V, et al, eds. Cummings Otolaryngology: Head and Neck Surgery. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2015:chap 55.
P Soetikno R, Kaltenbach T, Friedland S, Matsuda T. Colonoscopic polypectomy, mucosal resection, and submucosal resection. In: Ginsberg GG, Gostout CJ, Kochman ML, Norton ID, eds. Clinical Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. 2nd ed. St Louis, MO: Elsevier Saunders; 2012:chap 36.

T Review Date 1/15/2017
P Updated by: Denis Hadjiliadis, MD, MHS, Paul F. Harron Jr. Associate Professor of Medicine, Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

