Biopsy

A biopsy is the removal of a sample of tissue or cells so that they can be examined by a pathologist, usually under a microscope. Some biopsies involve removing a small amount of tissue with a needle while others involve surgically removing an entire lump or suspected tumor. Biopsies may also be performed using imaging guidance such as ultrasound, x-ray, computed tomography (CT), or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Biopsies are most commonly performed for insight into possible cancerous and inflammatory conditions. After the biopsy is performed, the sample of tissue that was removed from the patient is sent to the pathology laboratory. A pathologist is a physician who specializes in diagnosing diseases (such as cancer) by examining tissue under a microscope. The types of biopsies include: Fine needle aspiration biopsy, Core needle biopsy, Vacuum-assisted biopsy, Image-guided biopsy, Surgical biopsy, Bone marrow biopsy etc.