Who's the right doctor to perform an oncological biopsy?

Hey everyone! I've been hearing a lot about oncological biopsies lately, but I'm not entirely sure who performs them. From what I understand, it's a procedure to remove a small sample of tissue for examination. Can anyone clarify who the right doctor is for this kind of thing?

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Hi OncoNurse! Great question. Typically, oncological biopsies are performed by surgical oncologists or interventional radiologists, depending on the location of the tumor and the specific procedure. For example, a breast biopsy is often done by a surgical oncologist, while a lung biopsy might be performed by an interventional radiologist using imaging guidance. Do you have any more specific questions about this process?

That's correct! And it's worth noting that pathologists play a crucial role in analyzing the biopsy sample and providing a diagnosis. In fact, pathologists are the ones who determine whether the tissue is cancerous or benign, and they also help to determine the type and stage of cancer. It's a team effort, for sure!

One thing to keep in mind is that the type of doctor who performs the biopsy may depend on the healthcare system or institution. In some cases, general surgeons or gynecologists may perform biopsies, especially if they have received specialized training in oncology. It's always a good idea to ask your primary care physician or oncologist for a referral to a qualified specialist for any medical procedures, including biopsies.