what type of doctor does a biopsy
Medical Doctors (MD) or Doctors of Osteopathy (DO) usually perform biopsy. Biopsy is routinely performed both on an outpatient basis and an inpatient basis. For example, during an examination a dermatologist (doctor who deals with conditions of the skin) may perform a quick biopsy of a suspicious mole or mark on the skin, to determine if the region is malignant or benign. Surgeons typically perform excisional (surgical) biopsy and open biopsy.
The tissue sample is examined by a pathologist (a doctor who specializes in diagnosing disease) to see whether or not cancer cells are present. If cancer is present, the pathologist can then look at the cancerâs characteristics. The biopsy will result in a report that lays out all of the pathologistâs findings.
Core needle biopsy uses a larger hollow needle than fine needle aspiration does. If you have this type of biopsy, youâll be lying down. After numbing the breast with local anesthesia, the surgeon or radiologist uses the hollow needle to remove several cylinder-shaped samples of tissue from the suspicious area.