Biopsies of Muscle, Nerve and Skin

Also known as: tissue biopsy, needle biopsy

What are biopsies of muscle, nerve and skin?

When a sample of tissue is removed from the body in order to analyze it and look for signs of certain diseases, this is known as a biopsy. Biopsies of muscle, nerve and skin can be used to help diagnose a variety of different medical conditions, including nerve damage, muscle damage, cancer and more. 

What happens during the procedure?

Biopsies of muscle, nerve and skin can be performed in many different ways. In many cases, biopsy samples can be gathered using an endoscope, which is a thin flexible tube that’s guided inside the body. Other biopsy samples can be gathered using a needle.  

Is any special preparation needed?

No special preparation is needed for this procedure.       

 

What are the risk factors?

Biopsies of muscle, nerve and skin are relatively risk-free procedures. Pain, bleeding or infection are the primary risk factors of the process of collecting the tissue sample.  

Reviewed by: Migvis Monduy, MD

This page was last updated on: October 29, 2019 10:36 AM