Tissue Biopsy for Mesothelioma

What is a Tissue Biopsy?

A tissue biopsy is one of the most common types of diagnostic testing, particularly for confirming or ruling out a cancer diagnosis. A biopsy involves removing some tissue from your body to be examined in a laboratory. There are several different types and methods of biopsies that your doctor might use if you are concerned about mesothelioma.

Types of Biopsies

There are three major types of biopsies that physicians can use to examine your tissue samples and make a diagnosis:

1. Needle Biopsy : With a needle biopsy, some of your tissue is removed through a syringe. The syringe will target the area of concern (so for pleural mesothelioma, the syringe would target the area around your lungs). Physicians use x-ray imaging or CT scans to guide their needle to the appropriate area.
2. Open Biopsy: With an open biopsy, your surgeon will put you under general anesthesia so you don’t feel any pain and will not be awake during the procedure. The doctor will cut open the affected area and remove tissue.
3. Closed Biopsy: The advantage of a closed biopsy is that there is minimal recovery time due to a very small incision. Through this small incision, the surgeon inserts a camera scope to guide the instrument that will take a tissue sample from the affected area.

Typical Test Results After a Tissue Biopsy

After obtaining a tissue sample a pathologist examines the specimen microscopically and uses immunohistochemical staining to determine whether malignant mesothelial cells are present. Biopsy results generally fall into one of three categories: benign, indeterminate, or malignant (confirming mesothelioma).

A benign (non-cancerous) result indicates that no malignant mesothelial cells are found. The pathology report may describe findings such as “benign mesothelial proliferation,” “reactive mesothelial cells,” or “chronic inflammation and fibrosis.” These changes can occur in response to infection, prior asbestos exposure, or other non-malignant conditions, and they do not indicate cancer.

An indeterminate or suspicious result means that cellular changes are present but insufficient to definitively diagnose malignancy. The report may use phrases like “atypical mesothelial hyperplasia,” “suspicious for mesothelioma,” or “cannot exclude malignancy.” In such cases, the findings are inconclusive, and additional testing—such as a repeat biopsy or further immunohistochemical analysis—is often recommended to clarify the diagnosis.

A malignant result confirms the presence of mesothelioma. The pathology report will typically state “findings consistent with malignant mesothelioma” and specify the histologic subtype: epithelioid, sarcomatoid, or biphasic (mixed). 

Epithelioid mesothelioma is the most common and generally has a better prognosis, whereas sarcomatoid is more aggressive. Diagnosis is supported by immunohistochemical staining patterns, with markers such as calretinin, WT-1, CK5/6, and D2-40 typically positive in mesothelioma, while CEA, MOC-31, and Ber-EP4 are usually negative. Additional molecular tests may reveal BAP1 loss or p16 (CDKN2A) deletion, both of which further support a diagnosis of mesothelioma.

Contacting Worthington & Caron, PC

We invite you to contact the asbestos lawyers at Worthington & Caron, PC if you or a loved one was recently diagnosed with the asbestos cancer mesothelioma. Our dedicated legal team has decades of experience representing victims of asbestos exposure and their families, helping them secure the compensation and resources they deserve for medical care, lost income, and pain and suffering. 

We understand the physical, emotional, and financial challenges that accompany a mesothelioma diagnosis, and we are committed to providing compassionate guidance and aggressive advocacy throughout every step of the legal process. By partnering with our firm, you can focus on your health and loved ones while we work to hold the responsible parties accountable and pursue the justice you need.

Our connection to top mesothelioma physicians can even help you get a second or third opinion to confirm or rule out mesothelioma as a possibility. To learn more, get in touch with us today.

Frequently Asked Questions About Tissue Biopsies 

How Accurate Are Tissue Biopsies When Resting for Cancer?

Tissue biopsies are highly accurate and considered the gold standard for diagnosing cancer. Accuracy depends on factors like sample quality, tumor type, and pathologist's expertise. When performed and analyzed correctly, biopsies provide precise information about the presence, stage, and type of cancer cells.

What Are the Risks of Getting a Tissue Biopsy?

Tissue biopsies are generally safe, but potential risks include minor bleeding, infection, bruising, and localized pain at the biopsy site. Rarely, there may be complications such as injury to nearby structures or delayed healing. Most side effects are mild and temporary, resolving within a few days.

How Long Does it Take to Get a Tissue Biopsy?

The procedure time varies by biopsy type and location. Most tissue biopsies take between 15 minutes and one hour to complete. Additional time may be needed for preparation and recovery. Laboratory analysis of the tissue sample typically takes several days to provide accurate diagnostic results.

Is Recovery Time Necessary After Getting a Tissue Biopsy?

Recovery after a tissue biopsy is usually brief. Most patients can return to normal activities within a day, depending on the biopsy site and method used. Some soreness or mild discomfort may occur, but it typically resolves quickly. Your healthcare provider will offer post-procedure care instructions.