Cost of Biopsy in India | Price, Types & Factors
A biopsy is a critical diagnostic procedure to detect various medical conditions, including cancer, infections, and inflammatory diseases.
It involves the removal of a small sample of tissue or cells from the body for detailed examination under a microscope. Understanding the cost of biopsy in India is essential for patients planning their diagnostic and treatment journey.
In this article, we explore the purpose of a biopsy, factors influencing its cost in India, and alternative diagnostic options. Keep reading to gain comprehensive insights!
What Is Biopsy Used For?
A biopsy is one of the most definitive methods for diagnosing diseases. It helps healthcare providers determine the nature of a suspicious growth or lesion and guide the subsequent course of treatment. The doctor may suggest a biopsy for the following cases:
- Diagnosing cancer: Biopsies are the most definitive way to diagnose any cancer. Doctors widely use biopsies to analyse, type and stage the tumour. Depending on the results of a biopsy, further treatment action is determined.
- To identify a specific infection: Sometimes, it is hard to identify the pathogen cursing a disease. This is due to similar symptoms shown by related pathogens. A biopsy can help determine the specific pathogen involved in the disease and help the doctor treat the patient better.
- Inflammatory Diseases: Conditions such as lupus, sarcoidosis, and inflammatory bowel disease may require a biopsy for accurate diagnosis.
- Organ Health Assessment: In cases of organ dysfunction, such as liver or kidney disease, a biopsy helps assess the extent of damage or progression of the condition.
- Monitoring Treatment Effectiveness: A biopsy may be repeated for some chronic diseases to evaluate how well a treatment works.
What Factors Influence Biopsy Costs in India?
The cost of a biopsy in India varies highly on the basis of several factors. By understanding these factors, patients can plan ahead of their treatment and choose the best diagnostic centre.
Type of Biopsy
Biopsies are performed in different ways depending on the area of concern. Each type has its unique cost implications:
- Needle Biopsy: A minimally invasive procedure where a thin needle extracts tissue or fluid. It is generally more affordable.
- Surgical Biopsy involves removing a larger tissue sample through a minor surgery. This procedure is more expensive due to the involvement of an operating room and anaesthesia.
- Endoscopic Biopsy: An endoscope is used to access internal organs and collect samples. It is often costlier due to the advanced equipment required.
- Bone Marrow Biopsy: Blood disorders and cancers are frequently diagnosed with a bone marrow biopsy. The cost of a bone marrow biopsy depends on the complexity of the procedure.
Location of hospital
Healthcare facilities in metropolitan cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore charge higher fees. This is due to the higher operational costs that the hospital has to bear to function in a metro city. It is also due to the latest treatment options and facilities that the hospital provides. You may need to visit the hospital several times for a biopsy; thus, it is better if it is in your area.
Expertise of Medical Professionals
The cost may also depend on the experience and qualifications of the doctor performing the biopsy. Some doctors have extensive knowledge and expertise in performing certain kinds of biopsies. Experienced doctors usually charge higher for their service.
Diagnostic Facility and Equipment
Traditional or latest equipment can perform a biopsy. If the diagnostic centre is equipped with the latest technology, they may charge more for a biopsy. In many cases, traditional equipment also delivers satisfactory results for a biopsy. Consult your doctor to determine if your biopsy requires special equipment or the latest technology.
Histopathological Analysis
The biopsy sample is sent to a laboratory for detailed analysis. Histopathology can add to the overall expense of the biopsy. The kind of staining or molecular tests varies a lot depending on the type of biopsy.
Additional Costs
- Anesthesia Charges: Some biopsies require local or general anaesthesia, adding to the cost.
- Imaging Guidance: Procedures like CT-guided or ultrasound-guided biopsies involve additional imaging costs.
- Hospital Stay: Usually, you won’t be required to stay overnight in a hospital after a biopsy. However, certain complex biopsies may require you to stay overnight for observation. Staying in a hospital overnight will increase your overall cost of the procedure.
What Are Some Alternatives to Biopsy?
While a biopsy is often the gold standard for diagnosis, specific non-invasive or less invasive alternatives may be used in particular situations; these methods can help avoid the risks associated with surgical procedures but may not always provide the same level of accuracy.
Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC)
FNAC involves using a thin needle to collect cells from a suspicious area. Usually, FNAC is more affordable than the traditional biopsy as it is minimally invasive. However, in some cancers, an FNAC does not provide enough information to make a helpful diagnosis.
Imaging Tests
Imaging tests like MRI, CT, and PET scans are commonly used to detect cancers. However, if a biopsy is better than imaging tests, it depends on the type of cancer. For example, bone cancer patients may be diagnosed better with imaging tests, while blood cancer patients would need a biopsy.
Liquid Biopsy
A relatively new technique, liquid biopsy, involves analysing a blood sample for circulating tumour cells or genetic material from a tumour. It is beneficial for monitoring cancer progression and treatment response but is not a replacement for traditional tissue biopsy.
Molecular and Genetic Testing
These tests analyse blood, saliva, or other bodily fluids to detect specific markers associated with diseases. While they are valuable for early detection and risk assessment, they cannot always confirm a diagnosis.
Conclusion
Understanding the cost and purpose of a biopsy in India can help patients make informed decisions about their healthcare. While the procedure may seem daunting, it remains vital for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment planning. By considering the factors influencing biopsy costs and exploring alternative options, patients can better navigate their diagnostic journey and receive the care they need.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most biopsies are minimally invasive and cause only mild discomfort. Local or general anaesthesia is often used to minimise pain during the procedure. You might feel pain after the procedure, but it is nothing to worry about. How painful a biopsy will be depends on the type of biopsy you undergo.
The time to receive biopsy results varies but generally ranges from 2 to 7 days. Complex cases requiring special tests may take longer. Sometimes, these tests may not be available in your locality, so the sample is sent to a nearby city with adequate facilities. If your sample needs to be transported to another city, you may need more time to get your results.
While biopsies are generally safe, potential risks include bleeding, infection, and bruising at the site. Your doctor will guide you through the procedure and explain the possible risks. Certain cases where the patient is diabetic, anaemic or has other conditions may require special attention after the biopsy to stop any bleeding.
References
https://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info/biopgen
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/diagnosis-staging/tests/biopsy-and-cytology-tests/biopsy-types.html
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7485960/
https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/diagnosis-staging/diagnosis
https://www.cancerrounds.com/costs/biopsy-test-cost-in-india/
https://stanfordhealthcare.org/medical-tests/b/biopsy/types.html
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/17872-fine-needle-aspiration-fna
