Testicular biopsy is a medical test in which a testicle is removed from tissue for diagnostic purposes and examined with a microscope in the laboratory.
Generally, testicular biopsy is applied when male infertility is to be evaluated. If suspicious results are seen in the testicles, infertility can be diagnosed and can also be used in the treatment of infertility. If men with infertility cannot produce sperm during ejaculation, it's possible to check this with a testicular biopsy. There may also be a blockage that blocks semen. If it's another reason, more testing may be needed to examine it. If there is a cyst, an open surgical operation can be performed. In addition, a sample for use in the IVF process can be obtained by testicular biopsy if necessary.
The procedure of Testicular Biopsy
The testicular biopsy procedure is mostly performed on an outpatient basis and under local anesthesia. In some cases, general anesthesia is also used due to the preference of the patient and the surgeon. After the sample is removed, the patient can go home. Results can be taken after a few days. To evaluate the results, the surgeon may wish to see the patient and schedule an additional examination. There are two different testicular biopsy methods: Open biopsy and percutaneous biopsy.
Percutaneous biopsy: Firstly, a biopsy injection is inserted through the skin. Testicular tissue is taken with the help of a syringe which is placed at the tip of the injection. There are no incisions or stitches done in this method.
Open biopsy: Also called a surgical biopsy. The surgeon makes an incision in the patient's skin and testicle. A tissue sample is taken by this opening, and then it is closed with sutures.
Diagnosis of Testicular Cancer with Testicular Biopsy
The testicular biopsy is not one of the methods often used to diagnose testicular cancer. If the patient's diagnosis is unclear, a biopsy may be performed but there's the possibility of increasing testicular cancer with this. That's why it is not widely used when it comes to cancer diagnosis.
Ultrasound is usually preferred for testicular cancer. The testicles can be removed in a surgical operation called a radical inguinal orchiectomy. Whether the result of the sample taken is benign or malignant may also be decisive for the removal or non-removal of all testicles. The sample is examined by a pathologist.