An endoscopy allows doctors to look inside the body. While its primary purpose is direct visualization, a doctor might also take a small tissue sample, called a biopsy, during the procedure. This step gathers more detailed information.
Understanding Endoscopy and Biopsy
An endoscopy involves inserting a thin, flexible tube with a camera, called an endoscope, into the body. This instrument typically enters through a natural opening, such as the mouth or rectum, to view internal areas. Common types include upper endoscopy for the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum, and colonoscopy for the large intestine.
During an endoscopy, if an area appears unusual, a doctor can use tiny instruments passed through the endoscope to collect a small tissue sample, or biopsy. This specimen is then examined under a microscope, providing a closer look at cells and tissues.
Key Reasons for Biopsy During Endoscopy
Doctors perform biopsies during endoscopy to investigate abnormalities observed visually. If areas like polyps, ulcers, inflammation, or suspicious lesions are present, a biopsy helps determine their nature. This analysis aids in diagnosing conditions not identifiable by sight alone.
Biopsies are often taken to diagnose specific inflammatory conditions. For instance, in suspected Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, biopsies help confirm the diagnosis and assess disease severity. For Celiac disease, biopsies of the small intestine lining identify characteristic damage to the villi.
Another common reason for biopsy is to detect precancerous changes or identify cancerous cells. Conditions like Barrett’s esophagus, involving changes in the esophageal lining due to chronic acid reflux, require biopsies to monitor cellular alterations. Biopsies also diagnose gastric ulcers and Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infections, ruling out malignancy and confirming bacterial presence. When patients experience unexplained symptoms like chronic pain, bleeding, difficulty swallowing, or persistent nausea, a biopsy can provide clarity.
The Journey of a Biopsy Sample
Once a tissue sample is collected, it goes to a specialized laboratory for analysis. Immediately after removal, the specimen is placed in a preserving solution to maintain its structure. This preservation is crucial for accurate microscopic examination.
The preserved sample is sent to a pathology laboratory. There, a pathologist or trained professional conducts a gross examination, inspecting the tissue. The tissue is then embedded in paraffin wax to create a solid block. Thin slices are cut from this block and placed onto glass slides.
These thin tissue slices are stained with dyes to make cellular components visible under a microscope. A pathologist, who specializes in diagnosing diseases by examining tissues, studies these slides to identify cellular changes, inflammation, or abnormal cells. The pathologist then generates a detailed report, sent to the doctor who performed the endoscopy.
What to Expect After the Procedure
After an endoscopy with a biopsy, patients typically spend a short time in recovery while sedation wears off. It is common to feel groggy, have a mild sore throat, or some bloating. The small biopsy site usually heals quickly with minimal discomfort.
Receiving biopsy results usually takes a few days to a week. The doctor who performed the endoscopy will contact the patient to discuss the pathology report findings. This discussion explains the results and outlines necessary next steps, such as further investigations, a treatment plan, or follow-up appointments.