Advertisement

Biopsy Results

Print Discuss Email Share

A "negative" biopsy means that no abnormal cells were present in the examined tissue or cell sample. A "positive biopsy" means that abnormal cells are present in the examined tissue or cell sample. Abnormal results are helpful in identifying:

  • infectious processes: the infectious agent may be seen, or changes to the cells which are caused (characteristic) of certain infection or disease may indicate the infectious agent is present
  • benign (non-cancerous) conditions: some characteristic cell changes may be present, indicating the presence of a benign growth or process.
  • Malignant: abnormal cells representing cancer. The pathologist can usually determine the organ of origin of the cancer cells and therefore can often determine whether a tumor is primary (from the organ being biopsied) or metastatic (tumor has spread to the organ being biopsied)

Updated: August 15, 2007
Advertisement
Advertisement

Imaginis.com suscribes to the HONcode principles of the Health on the Net Foundation.

Copyright 1997-2009 Imaginis Corporation. All rights reserved. Imaginis® is a registered service mark of Imaginis Corporation, a health services company. All other trademarks and copyrights are property of their respective owners. Note: Use of this online service is subject to the disclaimer and the terms and conditions contained herein. Information found within the Imaginis.com website or in other sites linked to from Imaginis.com is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended to be used as a substitute for diagnosis and treatment by a medical doctor. Imaginis does not endorse and has no responsibility for the content of any other sites listed on Imaginis.com, and provides links and references merely as a convenience to its users. Seek immediate medical attention if your condition is urgent. Imaginis - The Breast Cancer Resource