An individual has a growth removed. What exam is used to determine if the growth is benign or cancerous?
A Autopsy
B Culture
C Cross-section
D Biopsy
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is D. Biopsy.
A biopsy is a medical procedure used to determine whether a growth or tumor is benign or cancerous. In this process, a sample of tissue is removed from the growth, and it is then examined under a microscope by a pathologist. This examination helps determine whether cancerous cells are present, which would indicate a malignant (cancerous) tumor, or if the tissue is benign, meaning it is not cancerous.
Biopsies can be performed in several ways, depending on the location and type of growth. For instance, if the growth is located in an easily accessible area, a needle biopsy may be performed, where a thin needle is used to extract a small sample of tissue. In some cases, a surgical biopsy may be necessary, especially if the growth is deep inside the body or in a place that is hard to reach.
The biopsy is a crucial step because it allows for a definitive diagnosis. While imaging techniques like X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs can suggest the presence of a growth and help guide the physician’s decision on further testing, only a biopsy can provide a clear answer regarding whether the growth is benign or malignant. This is important because the treatment and prognosis for cancerous (malignant) growths are different from those for benign tumors. A benign tumor is typically non-threatening and may only require monitoring, while cancerous tumors may require surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, or a combination of these treatments.
In contrast to a biopsy, procedures like autopsies, cultures, and cross-sections are not used to diagnose cancer. An autopsy is done after death to determine cause, cultures are used to detect infections, and cross-sections refer to imaging techniques used for visualization. Therefore, the biopsy remains the standard method for determining the nature of a growth.