Biopsy and Histological Studies

Professor Naftali Stern

Endocrinologist

The success of treatment always depends on how accurately the diagnosis is established. That is why specialists at the Top Ichilov Medical Center use only the most modern and informative diagnostic methods in their practice, allowing for the accurate identification of any diseases even at the earliest stages of their progression and establishing their nature with 100% accuracy. The most valuable of these, especially when oncology is suspected, is a biopsy – a procedure that involves taking a small fragment of pathologically altered tissues for subsequent histological and cytological examination.

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30%

of diagnoses made in CIS countries are refuted at the Top Ichilov clinic

1230

procedures using the modern "Da Vinci" system

100%

high-precision diagnostic program

Table of Contents

Features

Stages

Prices

By conducting a comprehensive analysis of the obtained biological material, Israeli specialists can determine not only the nature of the tumor, its type, and stage of development, but also drug sensitivity. This further allows doctors to develop more effective therapy protocols for patients, significantly increasing the chances of recovery.

Indications for the Procedure

Despite the common belief that biopsy is performed only when cancer is suspected, the application of this diagnostic method in modern medicine is much broader. Of course, it is most often prescribed for tumor formations (both malignant and benign). This is due to the fact that visual diagnostic methods and blood tests do not always allow for the precise determination of the type of neoplasia and, accordingly, the selection of the optimal treatment strategy.

Biopsy in Israeli clinics can also be performed for the verification of the following diagnoses:

• gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD);
• Barrett's esophagus;
• Crohn's disease;
• gastritis;
• ulcer disease;
• liver cirrhosis;
• intestinal polyps;
• vasculitis;
• sarcoidosis;
• endometriosis;
• precancerous conditions of the cervix (erosion, leukoplakia, dysplasia);
• benign prostatic hyperplasia;
• pyelonephritis;
• amyloidosis and many others.

In addition, this study can be conducted to monitor the effectiveness of ongoing therapy, as well as directly during treatment. For example, sentinel lymph node biopsy during the removal of melanoma and breast tumors. Immediately after excising the neoplasm, doctors check the regional lymph nodes for the presence of malignant cells, and if the analysis results are positive, they are also subjected to resection. This helps prevent tumor metastasis and significantly reduce the risks of postoperative cancer recurrence.

How Biopsy is Performed at Top Ichilov

Clinic specialists have state-of-the-art equipment for conducting a wide range of high-precision studies, including biopsy. This includes the latest models of ultrasound and CT machines used for visual control, and ultra-powerful electron microscopes, which laboratory staff use to study the cellular structure of the obtained tissue samples and the specifics of the processes occurring within them. Doctors at Top Ichilov strive to interpret diagnostic results as quickly as possible. Typically, this takes no more than 3-4 days, after which the patient receives an expert report indicating the final diagnosis and individual recommendations regarding further treatment.

Depending on the localization of the pathological focus, biopsy sampling can be performed either percutaneously, through small punctures or incisions on the body, or endoscopically – through natural openings of the body (for example, through the mouth during esophagoscopy or gastroscopy). Local anesthesia is used to ensure the procedure is painless.

By the method of obtaining biological material, the following types of biopsy are distinguished:

• Aspirational. The most gentle and practically painless method, involving obtaining samples of pathologically altered tissues by suction using a special syringe or vacuum aspirator. Most often, endometrial biopsy, mucous membranes of the gastrointestinal tract, bone marrow, ovarian tumors, breast, and thyroid are performed this way.
• Puncture. The study is performed using a special hollow needle with a cutting end, which is inserted into the affected organ through a small puncture. Due to its minimal invasiveness, the procedure is almost painless. The main indications for puncture biopsy include benign and malignant tumors of the lungs, liver, soft tissues, kidneys, lymph nodes, breast, and prostate.
• Surgical. In some cases, doctors can obtain a fragment of the tumor only by performing partial or complete excision. Both incisional and excisional surgical biopsy at Top Ichilov are performed using modern minimally invasive techniques that exclude significant damage to healthy tissues and, accordingly, are associated with minimal risks for patients.

Subsequently, the samples of biological material obtained by any of the listed methods undergo special processing: they are placed in special solutions, dehydrated, and impregnated with paraffin or other substances. The next step is cytological or histological examination – in Israel, immunohistochemistry is often additionally performed, allowing for even greater accuracy in establishing diagnoses and predicting the effectiveness of subsequent therapy. Each of these analyses pursues different goals:

• Cytology. Involves studying the structural features of cells. Based on their microscopic analysis, doctors can identify inflammatory processes and determine their exact causes, establish the degree of tumor differentiation, monitor the dynamics of disease treatment, and more.
• Histology. In this case, tissue sections are examined rather than cells. Histology in Israel allows for answers to the following questions: the nature of the neoplasm, the extent of the tumor process, the presence of background pathological changes. It is also conducted for the diagnosis of non-tumor diseases.
• Immunohistochemistry. Today, it is considered one of the most accurate methods for diagnosing oncology. The advantage of immunohistochemical studies is that they can not only accurately determine the diagnosis but also identify the sensitivity of the neoplasm to various anticancer drugs. Immunohistochemistry is particularly valuable when selecting targeted therapy.

How Much Does a Biopsy Cost in Israel

Advantages of Biopsy at Top Ichilov

• Highly qualified and experienced specialists.
• Shortest diagnostic time – no more than three to four days.
• 100% accuracy of results.
• Use of the most advanced technologies for obtaining biological material and its further study.
• Affordable biopsy prices – in Israel, compared to the USA and Western Europe, it costs 25-45% less.
• Comfortable accommodation conditions and personal curator-translator support.

To consult with a clinic representative, simply fill out the application form on the website. We will call you back within 30 minutes.