Biopsy

The removal of a sample of tissue for purposes of diagnosis.

(Many definitions of 'biopsy' stipulate that the sample of tissue is removed for examination under a microscope.

This may or may not be the case.

The diagnosis may be achieved by other means such as by analysis of chromosomes or genes.) A biopsy may be done, for example, because of concern about cancer.

The physical exam, imaging, endoscopy, and laboratory tests may indicate that something is abnormal, but a biopsy may be the only sure way to know whether the problem is, in fact, cancer.

In a biopsy, the doctor removes a sample of tissue from the abnormal area or may remove the whole tumor.

A specialist trained to examine such tissues is called a pathologist.

A pathologist examines the tissue under a microscope.

If cancer is present, the pathologist can usually tell what kind of cancer it is and may be able to judge whether the cells are likely to grow slowly or quickly.