Vocal Cord Biopsy Tips

Kidneys play an important metabolic role and are essential for balancing salt, minerals and water in the body. They also play a significant role in removing waste products from the body. They make urine, which contains all the waste materials that are eliminated from the body. They also play an important role in blood pressure regulation and in maintaining the balance of various minerals in the body. Any suspected kidney damage should be confirmed by a kidney biopsy, which will reveal the exact disease, thereby directing towards the appropriate treatment. 

Why and when is it done? 

A renal or kidney biopsy is done in the following situations: 

1. When there is abnormal protein in the blood or urine, which is indicative of a kidney disease, and the exact cause needs to be found out
2. When kidney failure is suggested by blood tests but cause is not clear 
3. To find the cause of bleeding in the urine (haematuria) 
4. To identify and/or confirm diagnosis after a CT scan or ultrasound 
5. To check how well a transplanted kidney has been received 

Know about the procedure 

A renal biopsy is mostly done as an outpatient procedure and is a type of biopsy known as percutaneous biopsy (biopsy where a needle is inserted through the skin into the renal tissue). Very rarely, it may be combined with the CT scan or ultrasound and be done in the radiology department. This may be done on inpatients. The patient is made to lie on his/her back and a local anesthetic is used on the area of the injection. A thin, long needle is directed towards the area of the kidney from where some kidney tissue is removed for sampling.

In some cases, the direction of the needle may be decided by a CT scan or ultrasound. While this is a closed biopsy procedure, in some cases, as a part of the surgery, open biopsies may also be obtained, where a sample of tissue is extracted for analysis. 

Recovering from a biopsy 
The person would need some time to recover from the procedure, as there would be some discomfort at the site of a needle insertion. Vital signs would be monitored for the next couple of hours during which the person would also be monitored for internal bleeding. A pain reliever can be used if required. Haematuria or blood-tinged urine can be seen disappearing within the next 12 hours. Very rarely the bleeding can be severe and require angiography and further procedures. The person should also avoid strenuous activities for the next few days.

Kidneys play an important metabolic role and are essential for balancing salt, minerals and water in the body. They also play a significant role in removing waste products from the body. They make urine, which contains all the waste materials that are eliminated from the body. They also play an important role in blood pressure regulation and in maintaining the balance of various minerals in the body. Any suspected kidney damage should be confirmed by a kidney biopsy, which will reveal the exact disease, thereby directing towards the appropriate treatment. 

Why and when is it done? 

A renal or kidney biopsy is done in the following situations: 

1. When there is abnormal protein in the blood or urine, which is indicative of kidney disease, and the exact cause needs to be found out
2. When kidney failure is suggested by blood tests but cause is not clear 
3. To find the cause of bleeding in the urine (haematuria) 
4. To identify and/or confirm the diagnosis after a CT scan or ultrasound 
5. To check how well a transplanted kidney has been received 

Know about the procedure 

A renal biopsy is mostly done as an outpatient procedure and is a type of biopsy known as percutaneous biopsy (biopsy where a needle is inserted through the skin into the renal tissue). Very rarely, it may be combined with the CT scan or ultrasound and be done in the radiology department. This may be done on inpatients. The patient is made to lie on his/her back and a local anesthetic is used on the area of the injection. A thin, long needle is directed towards the area of the kidney from where some kidney tissue is removed for sampling.

In some cases, the direction of the needle may be decided by a CT scan or ultrasound. While this is a closed biopsy procedure, in some cases, as a part of the surgery, open biopsies may also be obtained, where a sample of tissue is extracted for analysis. 

Recovering from a biopsy 
The person would need some time to recover from the procedure, as there would be some discomfort at the site of needle insertion. Vital signs would be monitored for the next couple of hours during which the person would also be monitored for internal bleeding. A pain reliever can be used if required. Haematuria or blood-tinged urine can be seen disappearing within the next 12 hours. Very rarely the bleeding can be severe and require angiography and further procedures. The person should also avoid strenuous activities for the next few days.

A tumor may be defined as an abnormal unwanted growth of tissue in any part of the body. This word need not immediately cause panic because the tumor may or may not cause a health threat. There are three types of tumors:

1. Benign tumor: This is a noncancerous type of tumor. In our body, new cells are formed while the old ones called dead ones are disposed by our immune system. When this disposal of cells does not occur, the remaining dead cells form a lump, which is called a benign tumor. They are not dangerous since, they do not contain harmful fluids and do not spread. A person suffering from a benign tumor in the brain may have frequent headaches.
2. Pre-malignant tumor: It is an initial disorder, or an earlier symptom of cancer manifestation. The inclination of this medical condition is that it will progressively become precarious. This is so because it is capable of conquering neighboring tissues and spreading as well. Leukoplakia is a form of premalignant cancer. They evolve as thick white patches inside the cheeks or on gums below the tongue. These patches are very difficult to be scraped off from the mouth. They are caused mainly due to chewing tobacco and smoking, and if left untreated can expand.
3. Malignant tumor: These are the cancerous tumors, in which cells multiply abnormally and rapidly. They are unstable and travel along bloodstream, circulatory system and lymphatic system to other parts of the body. Sarcomas and carcinomas are the most common types of malignant tumors. While the former is related to connective tissues the latter is related to organs and glands.

The most common procedure to name the type of cancer is to refer to their site of origin. Adenocarcinoma, refers to cancer in the adenoid glands. Similarly, a benign tumor of fatty tissue is called lipoma, where as a malignant tumor in the same area is referred to as liposarcoma.

What is a biopsy? How does it relate to a tumor?
A Biopsy is a medical procedure practised by qualified medical practitioners. This procedure helps in identifying the type of tumor within a patient. It aids the doctor to conclude the type of treatment to be given to any patient. This procedure is a definite diagnosis to the identification of cancer. A Biopsy is the removal of a sample of the abnormal, unwanted tissue for laboratory examination. Biopsies are of different types, and they may be performed using ultrasound, CT scan or MRI depending on where the tumor is.

1. Excisional biopsy: In this method the entire lump of excess tissue is removed.
2. Incisional biopsy: Here a sample of the abnormal tissue is removed surgically.
3. Needle aspiration biopsy: Here the sample is extracted with the help of a needle.

After extraction, the tissue layers are sent to pathological departments to check their composition, and cause of disease.

Kidneys play an important metabolic role and are essential for balancing salt, minerals and water in the body. They also play a significant role in removing waste products from the body. They make urine, which contains all the waste materials that are eliminated from the body. They also play an important role in blood pressure regulation and in maintaining the balance of various minerals in the body. Any suspected kidney damage should be confirmed by a kidney biopsy, which will reveal the exact disease, thereby directing towards the appropriate treatment. 

Why and when is it done? 

A renal or kidney biopsy is done in the following situations: 

1. When there is abnormal protein in the blood or urine, which is indicative of a kidney disease, and the exact cause needs to be found out
2. When kidney failure is suggested by blood tests but cause is not clear 
3. To find the cause of bleeding in the urine (haematuria) 
4. To identify and/or confirm diagnosis after a CT scan or ultrasound 
5. To check how well a transplanted kidney has been received 

Know about the procedure 

A renal biopsy is mostly done as an outpatient procedure and is a type of biopsy known as percutaneous biopsy (biopsy where a needle is inserted through the skin into the renal tissue). Very rarely, it may be combined with the CT scan or ultrasound and be done in the radiology department. This may be done on inpatients. The patient is made to lie on his/her back and a local anesthetic is used on the area of the injection. A thin, long needle is directed towards the area of the kidney from where some kidney tissue is removed for sampling.

In some cases, the direction of the needle may be decided by a CT scan or ultrasound. While this is a closed biopsy procedure, in some cases, as a part of the surgery, open biopsies may also be obtained, where a sample of tissue is extracted for analysis. 

Recovering from a biopsy 
The person would need some time to recover from the procedure, as there would be some discomfort at the site of a needle insertion. Vital signs would be monitored for the next couple of hours during which the person would also be monitored for internal bleeding. A pain reliever can be used if required. Haematuria or blood-tinged urine can be seen disappearing within the next 12 hours. Very rarely the bleeding can be severe and require angiography and further procedures. The person should also avoid strenuous activities for the next few days. If you wish to discuss any specific problem, you can consult a Nephrologist.

Examination of a sample of skin (removed/extracted from the body) under a microscope is known as skin biopsy. It helps in diagnosing skin infections, conditions like psoriasis and diseases like skin cancer.
There are some things you need to know before getting a skin biopsy

How to prepare for this procedure?
You need to inform the doctor about several things like-
1. If you have any allergies
2. If you are or might be pregnant
3. If you are suffering from any kind of bleeding problems and taking medicines like Aspirin or warfarin
4. If you are on any kind of anti-inflammatory medication like prednisone

How does it feel?
When the skin sample is removed, it is done under the influence of anesthesia. Therefore, no such pain is felt at all. The only time a little sting is felt, is when the local anesthesia is injected.

What are the risks associated with skin biopsy?
There are no life threatening risks associated with a skin biopsy. But sometimes, a skin biopsy can cause skin infection or may result in persistent bleeding or even a scar may develop.

Post procedure care tips
After a skin biopsy, you will be instructed by your doctor on how to take care of the area of the skin where the procedure is done. Some of these instructions include
1. The biopsy site must be kept clean and dry
2. It would take 3-14 days for the removal of the stitch from the site
3. In case of pain, excessive bleeding, swelling, redness or fever, inform your doctor

Results
The results of such biopsy tests take 3-10 days to get available. If you wish to discuss about any specific problem, you can consult a dermatologist.

Examination of a sample of skin (removed/extracted from the body) under a microscope is known as skin biopsy. It helps in diagnosing skin infections, conditions like psoriasis and diseases like skin cancer.
There are some things you need to know before getting a skin biopsy

How to prepare for this procedure?
You need to inform the doctor about several things like-
1. If you have any allergies
2. If you are or might be pregnant
3. If you are suffering from any kind of bleeding problems and taking medicines like Aspirin or warfarin
4. If you are on any kind of anti-inflammatory medication like prednisone

How does it feel?
When the skin sample is removed, it is done under the influence of anesthesia. Therefore, no such pain is felt at all. The only time a little sting is felt, is when the local anesthesia is injected.

What are the risks associated with skin biopsy?
There are no life threatening risks associated with a skin biopsy. But sometimes, a skin biopsy can cause skin infection or may result in persistent bleeding or even a scar may develop.

Post procedure care tips
After a skin biopsy, you will be instructed by your doctor on how to take care of the area of the skin where the procedure is done. Some of these instructions include
1. The biopsy site must be kept clean and dry
2. It would take 3-14 days for the removal of the stitch from the site
3. In case of pain, excessive bleeding, swelling, redness or fever, inform your doctor

Results
The results of such biopsy tests take 3-10 days to get available. If you wish to discuss about any specific problem, you can consult a dermatologist.

Vocal cord lesions can be described as non-cancerous growths on the vocal cords. They are also known as vocal fold lesions. These lesions can make the patient’s voice sound hoarse and lead to a loss of vocal range. Patients may also feel the need to take frequent breaks while using their vocal cords. In addition, they may experience bouts of coughing and a shooting pain that goes from one ear to the other. Vocal cord lesions can be categorized under 4 heads and can affect both men and women.

Vocal Cord Polyps
These are the most common types of vocal cord lesions. They can occur on one or both vocal cords. These lesions appear reddish in colour and may resemble blisters. Vocal cord polyps are typically caused by overusing the vocal cords. When the vocal cords hit each other repeatedly, they can become inflame and irritated and lead to vocal cord polyps. A single traumatic event such as shouting for a long time can also cause vocal cord polyps. Some types of polyps such as polypoid corditis are also caused exclusively by smoking.

Vocal Cord Nodules
Vocal cord nodules can be described as small callus-like growths on the vocal cords. These are typically caused by repeated irritation of the vocal cords because of overusing them. Vocal cord nodules are usually located on both vocal cords. If left untreated, these nodules can stiffen and affect the patient’s voice.

Vocal Cord Cysts
Cysts refer to fluid or mucus filled sacs. They may also have a semi-solid core. These are the least common of all vocal cord lesions. Cysts usually result out of an irritation on the vocal cords. This obstructs the glandular ducts and leads to a buildup of mucus around the vocal cords. As the mucus gets clogged and cannot be removed, a cyst develops. Cysts can have a significant effect on the patient’s voice.

Vocal Cord Scars
Whenever injured, the body tries to heal itself. In repairing an injury to one of the vocal cords, scar tissue may form. This is less pliable as compared to normal tissue and affects the vibrations created. Thus, the person may experience a change in his or her voice. Unlike other forms of local cord lesions, scar tissue cannot be treated with medication or therapy. In cases where it seriously affects a person’s voice, surgery may be considered to remove the scar tissue.

A procedure done to remove a piece of tissue from your body so that it can be analyzed in a laboratory is termed as 'biopsy'.

A biopsy is done to determine whether you have cancer or some other condition. They help to differentiate cancerous cells from noncancerous cells.

It is performed by a surgeon, interventional radiologist, or an interventional cardiologist.

Types of biopsy procedures

1. Bone Marrow biopsy.
2. Bone marrow is the spongy material inside some of your larger bones where blood cells are produced.
3. This biopsy is done if the doctor suspects cancer to have originated in or travelled to your bone marrow.
4. Bone marrow biopsy is done to diagnose leukemia, lymphoma and multiple myeloma.
5. A bone marrow biopsy detects cancers that started elsewhere and traveled to the bone marrow.

Endoscopic biopsy

1. During endoscopy, your doctor uses a thin, flexible tube (endoscope) with a light on the end to see structures inside your body. It has a close-focusing telescope on the end for viewing.
2. To analyze cells of a tissue, special tools are passed through the tube.
3. Tubes are inserted through your mouth, rectum, urinary tract or a small incision in your skin.
4. Examples: Cystoscopy to collect tissue from inside your bladder, bronchoscopy to get tissue from inside your lung and colonoscopy to collect tissue from inside your colon.

Needle biopsy

1. During a needle biopsy, the doctor uses a special needle to extract cells from a suspicious area.
2. A needle biopsy is often used on tumors that the doctor can feel through your skin, such as suspicious breast lumps and enlarged lymph nodes.

Needle biopsy procedures include:

1. Fine-needle aspiration
2. Core needle biopsy
3. Vacuum-assisted biopsy

Skin biopsy
A skin (cutaneous) biopsy removes cells from the surface of your body. A skin biopsy is used to diagnose skin conditions, including melanoma and other cancers. The type of skin biopsy to be done depends on the type of cancer suspected.

Skin biopsy procedures include:

1. Shave biopsy- The doctor uses a tool similar to a razor to scrape the surface of your skin.
2. Punch biopsy- The doctor uses a circular tool to remove a small section of your skin's deeper layers.
3. Incisional biopsy- The doctor uses a scalpel to remove a small area of skin.
4. Excisional biopsy- The doctor removes an entire lump

You receive a local anesthetic to numb the biopsy site before the procedure.

Biopsy analysis and results
A biopsy guides the doctor to determine cancer's grade. The grade is sometimes expressed as a number on a scale of 1 to 4 and is determined by how cancer cells look under the microscope.

In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!

Kidneys play an important metabolic role and are essential for balancing salt, minerals and water in the body. They also play a significant role in removing waste products from the body. They make urine, which contains all the waste materials that are eliminated from the body. They also play an important role in blood pressure regulation and in maintaining the balance of various minerals in the body. Any suspected kidney damage should be confirmed by a kidney biopsy, which will reveal the exact disease, thereby directing towards the appropriate treatment. 

Why and when is it done? 

A renal or kidney biopsy is done in the following situations: 

1. When there is abnormal protein in the blood or urine, which is indicative of a kidney disease, and the exact cause needs to be found out
2. When kidney failure is suggested by blood tests but cause is not clear 
3. To find the cause of bleeding in the urine (haematuria) 
4. To identify and/or confirm diagnosis after a CT scan or ultrasound 
5. To check how well a transplanted kidney has been received 

Know about the procedure 

A renal biopsy is mostly done as an outpatient procedure and is a type of biopsy known as percutaneous biopsy (biopsy where a needle is inserted through the skin into the renal tissue). Very rarely, it may be combined with the CT scan or ultrasound and be done in the radiology department. This may be done on inpatients. The patient is made to lie on his/her back and a local anesthetic is used on the area of the injection. A thin, long needle is directed towards the area of the kidney from where some kidney tissue is removed for sampling.

In some cases, the direction of the needle may be decided by a CT scan or ultrasound. While this is a closed biopsy procedure, in some cases, as a part of the surgery, open biopsies may also be obtained, where a sample of tissue is extracted for analysis. 

Recovering from a biopsy 
The person would need some time to recover from the procedure, as there would be some discomfort at the site of a needle insertion. Vital signs would be monitored for the next couple of hours during which the person would also be monitored for internal bleeding. A pain reliever can be used if required. Haematuria or blood-tinged urine can be seen disappearing within the next 12 hours. Very rarely the bleeding can be severe and require angiography and further procedures. The person should also avoid strenuous activities for the next few days. If you wish to discuss about any specific problem, you can consult a nephrologist.

A tumor may be defined as an abnormal unwanted growth of tissue in any part of the body. This word need not immediately cause panic because the tumor may or may not cause a health threat. There are three types of tumors:

1. Benign tumor: This is a noncancerous type of tumor. In our body, new cells are formed while the old ones called dead ones are disposed by our immune system. When this disposal of cells does not occur, the remaining dead cells form a lump, which is called a benign tumor. They are not dangerous since they do not contain harmful fluids and do not spread. A person suffering from a benign tumor in the brain may have frequent headaches.
2. Pre-malignant tumor: It is an initial disorder or an earlier symptom of cancer manifestation. The inclination of this medical condition is that it will progressively become precarious. This is so because it is capable of conquering neighboring tissues and spreading as well. Leukoplakia is a form of premalignant cancer. They evolve as thick white patches inside the cheeks or on gums below the tongue. These patches are very difficult to be scraped off from the mouth. They are caused mainly due to chewing tobacco and smoking, and ff left untreated can expand.
3. Malignant tumor: These are the cancerous tumors, in which cells multiply abnormally and rapidly. They are unstable and travel along bloodstream, circulatory system and lymphatic system to other parts of the body. Sarcomas and carcinomas are the most common types of malignant tumors. While the former is related to connective tissues the latter is related to organs and glands.

The most common procedure to name the type of cancer is to refer to their site of origin. Adenocarcinoma, refers to cancer in the adenoid glands. Similarly, a benign tumor of fatty tissue is called lipoma, whereas a malignant tumor in the same area is referred to as liposarcoma.

What is a biopsy? How does it relate to a tumor?
A Biopsy is a medical procedure practised by qualified medical practitioners. This procedure helps in identifying the type of tumor within a patient. It aids the doctor to conclude the type of treatment to be given to any patient. This procedure is a definite diagnosis to the identification of cancer. A Biopsy is the removal of a sample of the abnormal, unwanted tissue for laboratory examination. Biopsies are of different types, and they may be performed using ultrasound, CT scan or MRI depending on where the tumor is.

1. Excisional biopsy: In this method, the entire lump of excess tissue is removed.
2. Incisional biopsy: Here a sample of the abnormal tissue is removed surgically.
3. Needle aspiration biopsy: Here the sample is extracted with the help of a needle.

After extraction, the tissue layers are sent to pathological departments to check their composition, and cause of disease.