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Two days after diagnosis of GCA a temporal artery biopsy was performed on her right side. A short segment (about an inch) of artery is removed and examined for presence of giant cells in the wall. This artery is visible near the surface. Often when GCA is present it will appear to be bunched up under the skin because the walls are thickened and require more space than normal. The biopsy was positive indicating the presence of giant cells. This is the typical method used to confirm GCA. If giant cells are not found the patient is in a dilemma. Doctors often will continue to treat for GCA if other symptoms are present but some doctors will cease treatment because GCA hasn’t been proven by the biopsy.