Biopsy results can indicate normal or abnormal cell changes, infections, and diseases such as cancer and Alzheimer’s. Inconclusive results may require further testing, and treatment options depend on the type and severity of the abnormality. Some types of cancer are classified based on biopsy results, such as the Gleason score for prostate cancer and HER2-positive breast cancer.
The biopsy results are usually reviewed with a patient by a doctor who is able to fully explain what they mean. Generally, the results may return to normal or indicate that there is some degree of abnormality in the harvested cells. The changes in cell structure can range from mild to severe, or they can indicate the presence of an infection. Conditions such as cancer and Alzheimer’s disease can be interpreted from the biopsy results.
In most cases, biopsy results have a chance of coming back to normal or abnormal. Normal results usually mean that the cells are benign or non-cancerous. In terms of brain biopsies, a normal result can be interpreted as the absence of any disease.
Sometimes the biopsy results may come back as inconclusive. This means that the results do not match the results of a previous test or pre-screening. An example of this would be a Pap smear that screens for abnormal changes in cervical cells. The pre-screening results may indicate an abnormality, while the results return to normal.
For inconclusive results, it may be recommended that the patient return for further testing at a later date. In some cases, a second biopsy may be done. In others, a second pre-screening test may be conducted. Screening for cervical cancer often involves a second Pap test rather than a colposcopy, which is more invasive.
A brain biopsy is an invasive procedure that checks for abnormalities in the brain tissue. When the results come back as abnormal, the degree of cellular change is examined and classified. Small changes can indicate an infection or precancerous developments. With some types of cancer, the results also indicate whether the cancerous cells have spread.
In addition to providing a diagnosis of disease, the results of a biopsy can indicate what type of treatment should be given. With infections, prescription drugs may be given or the infected material may be surgically removed. Precancerous cellular changes usually require some type of surgical treatment to remove the cells. Follow-up tests may be needed to monitor for further possible cellular changes.
Some types of modifications are classified according to scales. Biopsies performed for prostate cancer are identified according to a Gleason score. The results range from 2 to 10, depending on their severity. Those cells that receive a higher score are more likely to spread and develop into cancer.
Cancerous tumors can also be classified based on the biopsy result. For example, some types of breast cancer are identified by the levels of proteins in the tumor. Those that are more lethal are referred to as HER2-positive. This type of abnormal cancer cell is likely to spread and grow rapidly, making aggressive treatment a priority.
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