Rectal biopsy
Biopsy - rectum; Rectal bleeding - biopsy; Rectal polyps - biopsy; Amyloidosis - rectal biopsy; Crohn disease - rectal biopsy; Colorectal cancer - biopsy; Hirschsprung disease - rectal biopsyA rectal biopsy is a procedure to remove a small piece of tissue from the rectum for examination.
How the Test is Performed
A rectal biopsy is usually part of anoscopy or sigmoidoscopy. These are procedures to view inside the rectum.
Anoscopy
Anoscopy is a method to look at the: AnusAnal canalLower rectum
Sigmoidoscopy
Sigmoidoscopy is a procedure used to see inside the sigmoid colon and rectum. The sigmoid colon is the area of the large intestine nearest to the re...
A digital rectal exam is done first. Then, a lubricated instrument (anoscope or proctoscope) is placed into the rectum. You will feel some discomfort when this is done.
Digital rectal exam
A digital rectal exam is an exam of the lower rectum. Your health care provider uses a gloved, lubricated finger to check for any abnormal findings....
A biopsy can be taken through any of these instruments.
Biopsy
A biopsy is the removal of a small piece of tissue for laboratory examination.
How to Prepare for the Test
You may get a laxative, enema, or other preparation before the biopsy so that you can completely empty your bowel. This will allow the health care provider a clear view of the rectum.
How the Test will Feel
There will be some discomfort during the procedure. You may feel like you need to have a bowel movement. You may feel cramping or mild discomfort as the instrument is placed into the rectal area. You may feel a pinch when a biopsy is taken.
Why the Test is Performed
A rectal biopsy is used to determine the cause of abnormal growths found during anoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, or other tests. It can also be used to confirm the diagnosis of amyloidosis (rare disorder in which abnormal proteins build up in tissues and organs).
Amyloidosis
Primary amyloidosis is a rare disorder in which abnormal proteins build up in tissues and organs. Clumps of the abnormal proteins are called amyloid...
Normal Results
The anus and rectum appear normal in size, color, and shape. There should be no evidence of:
- Bleeding
- Polyps (growth on the lining of the anus)
-
Hemorrhoids (swollen veins in the anus or lower part of the rectum)
Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the anus or lower part of the rectum.
ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article - Other abnormalities
No problems are seen when the biopsy tissue is examined under a microscope.
What Abnormal Results Mean
This test is a common way to determine the specific causes of abnormal conditions of the rectum, such as:
-
Abscesses (collection of pus in the area of the anus and rectum)
Abscesses
An anorectal abscess is a collection of pus in the area of the anus and rectum.
ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article -
Colorectal polyps
Colorectal polyps
A colorectal polyp is a growth on the lining of the colon or rectum.
ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article - Infection
- Inflammation
- Tumors
- Amyloidosis
-
Crohn disease (inflammation of the digestive tract)
Crohn disease
Crohn disease is a disease where parts of the digestive tract become inflamed. It most often involves the lower end of the small intestine and the be...
ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article -
Hirschsprung disease in infants (blockage of the large intestine)
Hirschsprung disease
Hirschsprung disease causes a blockage of the large intestine. It occurs due to poor muscle movement in the bowel. It is a congenital condition, wh...
Read Article Now Book Mark Article -
Ulcerative colitis (inflammation of the lining of the large intestine and rectum)
Ulcerative colitis
Ulcerative colitis is a condition in which the lining of the large intestine (colon) and rectum become inflamed. It is a form of inflammatory bowel ...
ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article
Risks
Risks of a rectal biopsy include bleeding.
References
Downs JM, Kulow B. Anal diseases. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisenger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 129.
Gibson JA, Odze RD. Tissue sampling, specimen handling, and laboratory processing. In: Chandrasekhara V, Elmunzer J, Khashab MA, Muthusamy VR, eds. Clinical Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2019:chap 5.
-
Rectal biopsy - illustration
Rectal biopsy can be used to determine the cause of blood, mucus, or pus in the stool. Rectal biopsy can also confirm findings of another test or x-rays, or take a biopsy of a growth found in the colon.
Rectal biopsy
illustration
Review Date: 8/22/2022
Reviewed By: Debra G. Wechter, MD, FACS, General Surgery Practice Specializing in Breast Cancer, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
All rights reserved.