What type of intestinal biopsy is described as superficial, small samples, easily crushed, from stomach, duodenum +/- ileum (but not jejunum)?

• A. Endoscopic
• B. Surgical
• C. Percutaneous
• D. Fine-needle biopsy

Answer: (A)

Focusing on the depth and method of sampling helps distinguish intestinal biopsy types. The description—superficial, small samples that are easily crushed and drawn from stomach and duodenum (and sometimes ileum, but not jejunum)—fits endoscopic biopsy. During endoscopy, tiny biopsy forceps pinch off shallow mucosal tissue, yielding small, fragile pieces ideal for evaluating mucosal diseases of the upper GI tract. Jejunum is not accessible with standard upper endoscopy, which is why it’s not included by default.

Surgical biopsy provides larger, deeper tissue and is more invasive. Percutaneous biopsy goes through the skin to sample deeper organs, not the mucosal surface of the GI tract. Fine-needle biopsy, used for certain solid lesions, is not used for superficial GI mucosa sampling.