Biopsy: Understanding the Procedure and its Importance
Biopsy: Understanding the Procedure and its Importance What is a biopsy? A biopsy is a medical procedure that involves removing a small tissue sample from the body for examination under a microscope. The tissue can be taken from: A suspicious lump or mass An abnormal area seen on an imaging test A fluid sample Purpose of a Biopsy in Cancer Diagnosis: The primary purpose of a biopsy is to determine whether a suspicious area is cancerous (malignant) or non-cancerous (benign). It is often the only way to definitively diagnose most cancers. Here's why it's so important: Confirmation of Cancer: Imaging tests (like X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs) can often detect abnormal areas, but they cannot definitively determine if those areas are cancerous. A biopsy is needed to confirm the presence of cancer cells. Determining the Type of Cancer: If cancer is present, the biopsy can help determi...