Pancreatic biopsy
Background
Pancreatic lesions seen on imaging do not always require biopsy prior to surgery.1
However, if received, specimens should be handled in a similar manner to other small biopsies from the gastrointestinal tract.2
Record the patient identifying information and any clinical information supplied together with the specimen description as designated on the container. See overview page for more detail on identification principles.
- No
- Non-routine fixation (not formalin), describe.
- Yes
- Special studies required, describe.
- Ensure samples are taken prior to fixation.
- Not performed
- Performed, describe type and result
- Frozen section
- Imprints
- Other, describe
Biopsies of pancreas will frequently require special stains and immunohistochemistry. Ensure adequate fixation.
See general information for more detail on specimen handling procedures.
Inspect the specimen and dictate a macroscopic description.
External Inspection
Describe the following features of the specimen:
Procedure
Record as stated by the clinician.
- Needle biopsy
- Percutaneous
- Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)
- Other, describe
Number of pieces received
Specimen size (mm)
Measure the size of each core/fragment in two dimensions:
Dissection
Not required.
Internal Inspection
Not required.
Processing
Submit all tissue directly transferred into cassettes for processing. Biopsy pads, lens paper or similar are required to prevent loss of tissue during processing.
Record details of each cassette.
An illustrated block key similar to the one below may be useful.
Block allocation key
|
Cassette id
|
Site
|
No. of pieces
|
|
A
|
Pancreas
|
|
References
-
-