What is a Biopsy?

A biopsy is a process in which a small piece of tissue is taken from an organ or structure of the body and examined microscopically in order to detect the presence of abnormal or diseased cells. The sample of tissue is most commonly taken by means of a hollow needle that is passed into the organ under a local anaesthetic. A biopsy may confirm or assist in the diagnosis of many diseases, but is especially important in the early detection of cancer.