A biopsy is a sample of tissue collected from an organ or other
part of the body. A biopsy can be done by cutting or scraping a small piece of
the tissue or by using a needle and syringe to remove a sample, which is then
examined for abnormalities, such as cancer, by a doctor trained to look at
tissue samples (pathologist).
Last Revised:
November 1, 2012
Author:
Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:
Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine & Robert L. Cowie, MB, FCP(SA), MD, MSc, MFOM - Pulmonology