Our Approach to Care
A common way that doctors are able to diagnosis cancer is through a biopsy test. Our doctors combine high-quality treatments and patient-centered care to offer the best possible outcomes. We work with patients and their families to determine the best treatment options, based on needs and personal health history.
What is a Biopsy?
A biopsy is a test that takes samples of tissue and studies them for cancer cells. Biopsies are the most common way of diagnosing cancer and providing a definite diagnosis.
Biopsy Types
There are several different types of biopsy procedures that can be done to test for cancerous cells. Your doctor will answer any questions that you have before the biopsy is performed.
Needle biopsy: May be a core biopsy or fine need aspiration;
- Fine needle aspiration- cell samples are removed from the lymph node using a thin needle.
- Core needle biopsy- a tissue sample (the size of a grain of rice) is removed from the lymph node using a small needle with a curved tip.
Excisional biopsy: The entire tumor is removed through a cut in the skin.
Incisional biopsy: Part of a large tumor is removed through a cut in the skin.
Endoscopic biopsy: Tissue samples are removed using a thin, flexible tube.
Laparoscopic biopsy: Tissue samples are removed using a thin, flexible tube that is inserted into the abdomen through a small cut.
Thoracoscopic biopsy: Tissue samples are removed using a thin, flexible tube that is inserted into the chest through a small cut.
Laparotomy: A vertical cut is made in the abdomen and a sample is taken from the area.
Lymph node biopsy: removes lymph node tissue.
Thoracotomy: A vertical cut is made in the chest and a sample is taken from the area.
Skin biopsies include:
- Shave biopsies: the outer layer of skin is removed
- Punch or excisional biopsies: deeper layers of skin are removed
Open biopsy: the lymph node is removed through a small cut in the skin.
What happens next?
Once the sample has been examined in the laboratory, your doctor will communicate the test results with you and your care team. Together, you will decide what treatment options should be used.
Cancer treatment at MaineHealth
MaineHealth’s team of providers and specialists combine high-quality treatments and patient-centered care to offer the best possible outcomes. We work with patients and their families to determine the best treatment options, based on their needs and personal health history.
Patients have access to world-class, coordinated cancer treatment from to the MaineHealth Cancer Care Network.