Irradiated tissue and biopsy

The characteristics of tissue with high dose irradiation are impaired healing from any trauma or injury and vulnerability to infection. Thus, the sequelae of ill advised biopsy from irradiated tissue are necrosis, infection, bleeding and fistula formation. The principle of taking a biopsy from abnormal tissue is important in practice. The general principle for the management of irradiated tissue is a conservative symptomatic approach, such as avoidance of any trauma, use of local or systemic steroid or antibiotics when indicated and dietary management. However, biopsy should be performed when indicated, and surgical intervention is the treatment of choice in most severe radiation complications, such as intractable bleeding, necrosis, fistula formation or recurrent disease. Ill advised biopsy in irradiated tissue may result in physical disability and financial hardship to the patient. One should avoid this problem by understanding the principles of radiation physiopathology and consulting the oncology team before undertaking any surgical procedure