A biopsy is removing a small piece of tissue for testing in a lab. It helps diagnose infections, cancer, and various other diseases. Biopsies use a variety of ways to obtain tissue. The procedure chosen depends on access to the tissue. It also depends on how sensitive the organ is. Some biopsies simply require a needle puncture. Others may require surgery. Still others may involve passing a long flexible telescope into the body. This way a physician can see an internal site without major surgery. After they remove the tissue, it is promptly sent to a lab. Lab technicians view it under a microscope or perform other tests. Some common biopsies involve the:
* breast,
* prostate gland,
* cervix,
* liver,
* large and small intestine,
* lung,
* bone,
* thyroid gland,
* lymph nodes, and
* skin.

An aspiration biopsy draws out tissue by suction. A needle biopsy bores into the organ, removing a small plug of tissue. Both require inserting a needle into the target tissue. The doctor numbs the puncture site. Usually the needle is in the body only for a few seconds.

An open biopsy involves a surgical cut. This may be necessary to go around delicate organs. After the biopsy, the surgeon stitches the opening.

Biopsies often accompany exams with an endoscope. These tools are long, thin, fiber optic telescopes. Doctors use them to explore the digestive tract or the abdomen. Examples of this type of biopsy are intestinal polyps, the pancreas, and ovaries.

Recovery from a biopsy varies widely by the tissue type and the type of biopsy done. If you need a biopsy, talk to your doctor about the procedure. He or she can tell you how the results help diagnose certain conditions.

Choose a Health Topic Category Aging Alcohol Problems Allergies Arthritis Back & Neck Problems Blood & Circulatory Problems Bones, Joints & Muscles Brain & Nervous System Cancer Cardiovascular Health Child Health & Development Common Illnesses Cosmetic & Reconstructive Surg Dental Health Diabetes Digestive System Drug Abuse Ear, Nose & Throat Eating Disorders Exercise & Fitness Eyes & Vision Family Planning Foot Care General Health Genetic Disorders & Birth Defects Headaches Health Quizzes Hearing HIV Infections / AIDS Hormonal Disorders Infectious Diseases Medications Men's Health Mental & Emotional Health Nervous System Newborn Care Nutrition Parenting & Family Life Personal Safety Pregnancy & Childbirth Preparing for Emergencies Respiratory Problems Sexually Transmitted Diseases Skin Health Smoking Sports Medicine Stress & How to cope Surgery Symptoms Teenage Concerns Test & Examinations Urinary and Genital Systems Weight Control Women's Health   Go