How does biopsy work?

A sample may be collected with a needle, through a small cut, during an endoscopic procedure, or during surgery. The method depends on the location and safest route. Local anaesthetic may numb the area, while sedation or another anaesthetic may be used for some procedures. A pathologist examines the sample under a microscope and may use immunohistochemistry to identify proteins on cells. The report can describe benign tissue, cancer, or a finding needing more assessment.

An MRI scan creates images rather than removing tissue. Liquid biopsy examines cancer-related material in blood and is useful in selected situations, but it does not replace tissue sampling for every diagnosis.

Follow instructions about food, drink, blood-thinning medicines, and transport if sedation is planned. Tell the team about allergies, pregnancy, bleeding problems, and all medicines or supplements. Afterward, keep the site clean and follow advice about dressings and activity. Mild soreness or bruising can occur. Ask when results should arrive; genomic tumour profiling may be considered if it could guide treatment.

Get medical advice for bleeding that does not settle with firm pressure, increasing redness or swelling, worsening pain, pus, fever, or feeling faint. Sudden breathing difficulty or severe weakness needs urgent care. Follow the site-specific discharge instructions from your clinical team.

Ask why the biopsy is recommended, how it will be taken, whether any medicine must be paused, when results should arrive, and what further tests might follow.