Does pathology perform a biopsy?

The clinician taking the sample may be a surgeon, radiologist, gastroenterologist, dermatologist or another professional trained for the body area and biopsy method. The sample then goes to a pathology laboratory. There, staff prepare the tissue and a pathologist examines it for changes in cells and tissue structure. The pathology report helps the treating team understand the finding and plan any further testing or care. In some settings, a pathologist may also collect certain samples, but examination and interpretation are the specialty's central roles.

Before the appointment, confirm which medicines to take and tell the procedure team about blood-thinning medicines, allergies, pregnancy and any previous reaction to local anaesthetic or sedation. Follow the specific instructions about eating, drinking, transport and wound care. Afterward, keep the sample site clean as directed and use only the recommended pain relief. Make sure you know how results will be delivered and which clinician will explain what the report means for you.

Contact the procedure team if the wound becomes increasingly red, swollen, warm or painful, or if you develop fever, discharge or bleeding that continues despite the pressure advised in your instructions. Seek urgent help for heavy bleeding, fainting, severe breathing difficulty, rapidly increasing swelling or severe pain. The warning signs vary with the body area and biopsy method, so the discharge instructions from your procedure team take priority.

Ask who will collect the sample, how the area will be numbed and whether you need someone to take you home. Confirm the expected wound care, the symptoms that require a call and when results may be discussed. You can also ask whether additional laboratory tests could be needed after the pathologist first examines the tissue.