Why do they take biopsies?

[macdonald88]

Hi just a quick question, i had a colonoscopy last week and have been diagnosed with crohns last year so i was just wondering what are they checking for when they take biopsies? It never crossed my mind why they took them after being diognosed.

I possibly have a fistula and GI is waiting on biopsy results but wasn't too sure how this would help.

Sorry if the answer is staring me in the face but i was just a bit curious.

Thanks

 

[CLynn]

Mac, I only knew of it being done to diagnose Crohn's. But did find this online and copied it to paste for you....

A biopsy of a sample of tissue from the lining of the intestine, collected during sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy, can be used to confirm the diagnosis of Crohn's disease. A biopsy also may be done to find out whether a tumor is present. Multiple biopsies for cancer screening are often done in people who have had Crohn's disease of the colon or rectum for 8 years or more. Bowel biopsies are painless (other than the potential discomfort of the scope procedure) and remove only a tiny piece of tissue.

 

[macdonald88]

Thanks for your quick response. Will wait and see what GI says next week hopefully everything comes back ok.

Thanks again

 

[StarGirrrrl]

When you have IBD the risk of bowel cancer is raised. So while you're being looked at inside, it makes sense to take some biopsies while they are in there to check. Perhaps they will also compare them to previous samples to see disease progression/improvement.

 

[Misty-Eyed]

Not only that, but crohn's symptoms can be microscopic. You'd be amazed at what your cells can give away. They may also want to see if some areas of your colon show signs of crohn's on a microscopic scale.

 

[Txarmywife]

Biopsies help confirm diagnosis as well as disease progression. By taking several in multiple areas of both noticeably "bad" and "good" tissue, they can compare the two. Even "good" tissue as mentioned can be inflammed on a microscopic level. In my opinion biopsies are never a bad thing. It only further helps you in knowing what your disease is doing. I'd be upset if a doctor went in and didnt take biopsies. I look at it as a missed opportunity to gain knowledge.

 

[DustyKat]

I agree that biopsies are taken after diagnosis not only to screen for dysplasia (cancer) but also to gauge disease progression. If the GI is unable visualise any abnormalities it doesn't necessarily hold that all is normal and microscopic activity may be taking place. Also, even if disease is visualised it is difficult for the GI to rate the severity as he can only see the surface, a biopsy will be able to tell him how severe the disease is.

Dusty. xxx