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Removing cells or tissue for testing

During a biopsy, a healthcare professional removes cells or a small piece of tissue. A pathologist examines this material to identify the change, for example inflammation, infection, a benign abnormality or cancer.

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  • A biopsy removes cells or tissue for laboratory examination.
  • The aim is to establish what a lesion or organ change is. Possible results include normal tissue, inflammation, infection, a precancerous change, a benign abnormality or cancer.
  • The word biopsy does not tell you how extensive the procedure is. A skin biopsy under local anaesthesia is very different from a lung, liver or bone biopsy.
  • Imaging such as ultrasound, mammography, CT or MRI may be used to guide the needle precisely.
  • Never stop blood thinners yourself. The referring clinician makes a safe plan with you and, if needed, the prescriber.
  • A pathologist assesses the material. Extra tests may be needed, making results take longer.
  • A normal or unclear result does not always rule out a problem completely; repeat sampling or another investigation may be needed.

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