What Happens During a Biopsy

A biopsy is the removal of a small amount of tissue from your body to examine it under a microscope. We use this procedure to get a definitive diagnosis when an imaging scan, like an X-ray or CT scan, shows something unusual. It is the most reliable way for us to tell the difference between benign, or non-cancerous, tissue and cells that require treatment.

Before the procedure, your care team will provide specific instructions regarding food and drink. Depending on the location of the tissue, you may receive a local anesthetic to numb the area, or you might be given sedation to help you stay relaxed and comfortable. Please tell us about any blood-thinning medications you take, as these can affect how we manage the site after the sample is taken.

The method of collection depends entirely on where the tissue is located in your body. We might use a thin needle, known as a fine-needle aspiration, to draw out cells, or a larger needle to remove a small core of tissue. If the area is deep inside your body, we often use ultrasound or imaging technology to guide the needle exactly to the right spot.

Once the sample is collected, we apply pressure to the site and a small bandage to prevent bleeding. You may experience some soreness or bruising in the area for a few days, which is a normal reaction as your body heals. Avoid strenuous activity for a short period, and follow your doctor's specific advice on when you can return to your regular routine.

The collected tissue goes to a pathologist, a specialist doctor who examines the sample to determine exactly what it is. This process takes time because the sample must be processed and carefully studied, which can feel frustrating when you are waiting for answers. We will contact you as soon as the report is ready to discuss what the findings mean for your health plan.