A polyp biopsy is a test that takes a sample of, or removes polyps (abnormal growths) for examination.

Polyp biopsy

Polyps are growths of tissue that may be attached by a stalk-like structure (a pedicle). They are commonly found in organs with many blood vessels, such as the uterus, colon, and nose.

Some polyps are cancerous (malignant) and likely to spread. However, most polyps are noncancerous (benign). The most common site of polyps that are treated is the colon.

How a polyp biopsy is taken depends on the location:

• Colonoscopy or flexible sigmoidoscopy explores the large bowel
• Colposcopy-directed biopsy examines the vagina and cervix
• Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) or other endoscopy is used for the throat, stomach, and small bowel
• Laryngoscopy is used for the nose and throat

For areas of the body that can be seen, a numbing medication is applied to the skin. Then a small piece of the tissue that appears to be abnormal is removed. This tissue is sent to a laboratory, where it is tested to see if it is cancerous.

If the biopsy is in the nose or another surface that is open or can be seen, no special preparation is needed. However, it may be a good idea to fast for a few hours before the biopsy.

More preparation is needed for biopsies inside the body.

For polyps on the skin surface, you may feel a tugging sensation while the biopsy is being taken. After the numbing medicine wears off, the area may be sore for a few days.

Biopsies of polyps inside the body are done during procedures (for example, EGD or colonoscopy). Usually you will not feel anything during or after the biopsy.

The test is done to determine if the growth is cancerous (malignant).

Next Section

Biopsy Results

Review Date: 02/19/2011
Reviewed By: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; and Denis Hadjiliadis, MD, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)