By 
Early detection is the best way to prevent cancer aggravation. And one way to determine whether a tumour or mass growth is benign or malignant is through biopsy. A biopsy is a process of examining tissue or cell samples to look for cancer or other conditions. Liquid biopsy and tissue biopsy are two of the most common biopsies.
This article will tackle the similarities and differences between these two biopsies:
1. EXTRACTION PROCESS
Tissue Biopsy
In tissue biopsy, a tissue sample or cell is removed directly from the specimen, such as bone marrow or tumour. This process uses needles, endoscopic tools, and super sharp instruments to cut and extract the tissue samples while the patient is under anaesthetics.
The tissue sample will be examined and looked for cell mutations that are pieces of evidence of cancer.
Liquid Biopsy
In a liquid biopsy, the doctor gets blood samples intravenously, saliva, and urine samples from the patient. This process uses needles, swabs, and urine caps. Generally, getting these samples is painless, but there are other fluid samples that are painful and complicated to get.
Doctors can also extract cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from the spine using an instrument called a spinal tap. This procedure is painful.
Similar to tissue biopsy, the collected samples will be examined and analysed to look for evidence of cancer mutations in the DNA.
2. ACCURACY
Tissue Biopsy
Tissue biopsy is one of the most accurate and reliable biopsy methods used around the world. Doctors recommend tissue biopsy when there is an unusual mass growth in the body.
Liquid Biopsy
The FDA approved liquid biopsy, such as the Guardant 360, is effective as it can detect gene abnormalities, which may indicate cancer. However, they are not as accurate as tissue biopsies. There are times that it still needs a tissue biopsy to compare the results.
Nevertheless, there is continued research and studies about liquid biopsies and how they can be improved more, such as comprehensive genomic profiling.
3. RESULTS DOWNTIME
Tissue Biopsy
It takes one to two days to get the results for tissue biopsies, but sometimes, it may take longer, especially if the samples need to be analysed by other specialists.
Liquid Biopsy
It takes seven to ten days to get the results for liquid biopsies. Similarly, it may take longer if it needs more people to examine the samples.
4. RISKS
Tissue Biopsy
A tissue biopsy can be invasive. Sometimes it needs imaging tests such as MRIs when conducting the procedure to ensure a clear path of the needles and cutting instruments, and avoid slicing other organs, arteries, and muscles.
Here are the risks of tissue biopsy:
- Bleeding
- Damage to nearby organs and muscle
- Infection
- Numbness of the biopsy site
Liquid Biopsy
A liquid biopsy is much safer than a tissue biopsy. However, cerebrospinal fluid extraction can pose risks, including:
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Nerve damage
Your doctor can recommend which of the two biopsies can help determine, whether or not, you have cancer. Nevertheless, biopsies have changed the game in detecting, preventing, and curing cancers worldwide.
Are you interested in FDA approved liquid biopsy? Guardant Health AMEA is the provider of Guardant 360. Visit Guardant Health AMEA today.
Comments