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What is Cystic Biopsy?
Biopsy is a procedure that involves taking a tissue or cell sample from a part of an animal’s body so that it may be tested for disease. In cystic biopsy, a tissue sample is taken from a cyst located on the animal’s body. A cyst should not be confused with a tumor. While both appear as masses, a cyst is typically filled with air or bodily fluid, while tumors originate within the tissue from which they are located. Tumors and cysts may be benign or malignant; however, most cysts are benign. Owners should ensure that any new lump, tumor, or cyst is inspected by their cat’s trusted veterinarian as soon as possible, especially since cysts and tumors look similar.
Cystic Biopsy Procedure in Cats
The exact procedure steps of cystic biopsy may vary depending on the type of biopsy performed. Fine needle aspiration is typically not used for cysts, as cytologic examination will not aid in making the diagnosis. The most common biopsy methods for cysts are biopsy punch, incisional biopsy, and excisional biopsy. The technique used will vary based on the location of the cyst. The procedure steps for all three methods are outlined below.
Biopsy Punch
- The cat will be given local anesthesia.
- The vet will use a biopsy punch to take a tissue sample from the cyst.
- If more than one cyst is present, the vet will repeat the process for each cyst.
- This sample(s) will be sent to a histopathologist for examination.
Incisional Biopsy
- Local anesthesia will be administered to numb the cyst and surrounding area.
- The vet will incise the cyst and remove a portion of it.
- This process will be repeated for all cysts.
- This sample(s) will be sent to a histopathologist for examination.
Excisional Biopsy
- The cat may be anesthetized with local or general anesthesia.
- The vet will remove the cystic mass.
- Only one cyst may be removed if there are several present. The number of cysts removed will vary based on the vet’s preferences and the overall health of the cat.
- The full mass(es) will be sent to a histopathologist for examination.
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Efficacy of Cystic Biopsy in Cats
Histopathology is considered more accurate than cytology for diagnosing condition. With cytology, biopsies are typically taken via fine needle aspiration, and the cells are examined using a microscope. Examination of cystic tissue samples or entire masses must be carried out by a certified veterinary pathologist, since cytology is not very useful for diagnosing cysts. Histopathologic biopsy will give a more accurate diagnosis, and the practicing pathologist will be able to tell if the entire mass was removed. Histopathologic examination is also more effective for making predictions about the animal’s prognosis and the course of underlying disease.
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Cystic Biopsy Recovery in Cats
Cats will not need to recover from biopsy since it is a minimally invasive procedure used for diagnostic purposes. The recommended treatment for cysts will vary based on the underlying cause. Feline acne will generally clear up on its own, but chronic feline acne may be treated with medication. Some cysts are treated with medications, while others are treated with laser surgery. Some cyst will not require treatment at all, particularly dermoid cysts that are not causing pain or other issues for the cat. If dermoid cysts affect a cat’s eyesight, they will be removed surgically.
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Cost of Cystic Biopsy in Cats
The cost of cystic biopsy will vary based on standards of living and the type of biopsy performed. The average cost of a cystic biopsy is approximately $100.
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Cat Cystic Biopsy Considerations
Because cystic biopsy is a common and minimally invasive procedure, there are very few complications associated with it. Cats may react to local or general anesthesia. Should a reaction occur, the practicing vet will treat it accordingly. Cats may be evaluated for anesthetization prior to the procedure if the owner has any concerns about the cat’s safety.
Cysts are not generally life-threatening. However, if a cyst is left untreated, the risk of cystic rupture increases. Cystic rupture can cause infection and exacerbate the underlying condition. Owners should seek immediate veterinary attention if they spot any kind of lump on their cat.
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Cystic Biopsy Prevention in Cats
Some cysts are difficult to prevent, particularly those that are associated with congenital defects or inflammation of the hair follicles. Owners should make sure their cats do not engage in activities that may cause trauma to the hair follicles, or trauma to any tissue that may result in tissue necrosis.
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Cystic Biopsy Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
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Ask a Vet
Tamtam
Persian
14 Years
Mild severity
0 found helpful
Mild severity
Has Symptoms
Vomitting
My cat persian 14 years old is diagnosed with kidney failure due to polycystic disease on the kidney and another cyst on the liver and a tumor on the lungs which is benign. What should be treated first and how. Taking into consideration that she developed lots of gases inside
June 2, 2018
Tamtam's Owner
Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
How Tamtam needs to be treated depends a lot on her physical condition and lab results. Since I cannot examine her, I'm not sure that I can give you a valid answer to your question, but if she is in kidney failure, that would need to be treated first so that she continues to live a comfortable life, I would think.
June 2, 2018
I recommend that we drain her fluid and have an abdominal ultrasound performed by an Internal Medicine doctor (cost is going to be approximately $1500-2000 for testing alone with the internal medicine doctor). It sounds to me that Gizzy is not doing well and has a guarded to poor prognosis. If further testing cannot be pursued, I recommend humane euthanasia. I am worried about her quality of life. Linda Shim, DVM VCA TLC Animal Hospital 8725 Santa Monica Blvd. West Hollywood, CA 90069 310-859-4852
Aug. 24, 2018
Linda L.
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April
Tuxedo
9 Years
Fair severity
0 found helpful
Fair severity
Has Symptoms
Swelling
Swelling, Leaking And Foul Smell
My cat has had a cyst on her tail for many years. It had been growing for the past few months and has burst the day before yesterday and is letting out a foul smell. What is the average cost for possible cyst draining or removal for my cat?
April 30, 2018
April's Owner
0 Recommendations
The cost of treatment would depend on the severity, your Veterinarian and more importantly your location (country, state, county etc...); some cases may only cost a few hundred dollars whilst more severe cases which may require surgery or even amputation may over a thousand, however this isn’t something you should wait before seeing a Veterinarian. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
April 30, 2018
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